Fashion Forward #1 - Drop and Give Me Harem

Even though I've featured the Harem pant before, I love the following pair in particular. The bunching up at the calves combined with the front row of buttons brings a little edginess and unconventionality to the whole outfit. My only problem with them and with most of the amazing clothes I have found on YESSTYLE is that they are constructed mostly for an Asian body frame, which sadly no amount of dieting will ever bring me close to.

ISNOM - Button-Front Elasticized Waist Harem Pants ($55)

M(c) H(ammer), a palindrome for H&M?!

For anybody who has lived through the 90s, MC Hammer's videoclip "U Can't Touch This" is probably deeply ingrained in their cerebrum and if not for the music itself, for the pants worn by the rapper and his dancers.

Lately, mainly 2007 and onwards, a resurgence of the same style of pants has been slowly brewing, gaining more fans by the season and going from the extreme of nouveau fashion to the runways of Paris and NYC and now is about to enter mainstream consumer markets through H&M's 2010 Spring/Summer collection.

Before going into peering at the future I'd like to peek at the past and examine the origins of this style of pants, which is more of a category of pants rather than one and  single type of pant. Through the ages it has bore many names, some being as intriguing and mysterious-sounding as Sarouel, Jodhpur, Zouave, Lungi and Dhoti and as mundane as super-wide leg, sailor, pajama pants and as one of my favourite Fasionistos, TheFashionGent, dubbed them, "sagging crotches".

1. The Sarouel


The origin of the name of this specific sub-type of pants comes from the French noun Sarouel, which refers to a large type of pant fabric that is worn around the Sahara region:

sarouel (n.m.)

1.large pantalon de toile porté dans le Sahara.

While this is what I would imagine the Prince of Persia(and by this I mean of course Jake Gyllenhaal) wearing, I can say that a bit of googling has made this type of pant appealing and I am very likely going to buy one or more pairs in the near future. Here's a few of my favourite choices:

• Wool Sarouel Pants by DeepStyle ( $82 )

Another great item found on Yesstyle , this pair of Sarouels, hailing from South Korea, comes in two non-colours, gray and black and tapers off at the ankle as it is meant to be tucked into one's boot (remember the origin of the Sarouels and that sand against skin is bad)

• Sarouel Jeans by Yellow Jacket ( $55 - blue - black )

This great style has even penetrated the Jeans Market and as one website sartorially observes, even though some are indeed seeing this new pant as a fad that will pass, I believe it is here to stay. Think of what a lot of fashion critics had said about men's skinny jeans, that they would not stick with today's man, while lo and behold skinny jeans are bigger than ever. Viva la revolucion stilistica!

• Vintage Sarouel Pants by EPISODE

There's nothing better than seeing an actual person wear an item and observing how this item integrates with who the person is. Wilfried, photographed on EasyFashion is the perfect example of a stylish guy who is not afraid of being a road-opener and in this picture is wearing a pair of vintage Sarouel Pants.

2. The Jodhpur

The Jodhpur is the most conservative of all drop-crotch pants and has been mainly designed to facilitate horse-back riding and hunting. Originally Jodhpurs were worn in the Indian city of Jodhpur and were tight-fitting only from the knee to the ankle, flaring above the knee. Modern fabrics have allowed Jodhpurs, which have traditionally been only white or cream to be available in most colours while stretch-fabrics have added more support and flexibility. The Jodhpur on the right is made out of leather and comes from designer Marie Streichenberger, designed for Holland&Holland.

3. The Dhoti
The Dhoti is the traditional male garment in the Indian subcontinent and what comes to transpire as dhoti pants in the western world are pants in a drop-crotch style that incorporate influences from traditional dhoti pants.

4. The Zouave


The Zouave gets its name from a certain group from within the French army, the Zouaves, a corps first rasised in Algeria in 1831 consisting entirely of two battalions of Berbers.

Cloak, Spring/Summer '07

5. The Harem 
Last but not least, the Harem pants originate obviously from the Harems of the olden Muslim Empires and are basically baggy/drop-crotch pants, tapered at the ankle and that have side-flaps on the hip that button at the waist area.

Here are some Harem pants in action on the runways of the world; John Galliano on the left, combining two of the 2010 Spring/Summer trends, the Harem pant and the Gladiator Sandals and Bottega Veneta on the right also combining two of the trends, the colour red and the Harem.

Enjoy some Hammer time....uh, I meant Harem time  !

Cowl Necks and Shawl Necks and Roll Necks! Oh My!

Just what our dearest friend Dorothy felt when going into the forest was approximately what I felt when I stumbled upon YesStyle which describes itself as being "the leading online retailer of Asian fashion products and exclusive lifestyle products from South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China. A good alternative to the anti-gay Urban Outfitters."


What I had been looking for years had finally materialized itself in this online shop. Besides buying shoes, my second hobby/mania is buying interesting and unique sweaters. Sadly, the American market is very much lacking in originality and diversity. Short of buying expensive off-the-runway looks, my only sources for such enjoyment have been Urban Outfitters ( things might change now that I am aware of Urban Outfitter's founder's agenda Boo Richard Hayne!) and Rugby Ralph Lauren.



After spending a couple of hours on YesStyle my Wishlist has grown considerably and I am very excited about showing some of the items I like most to you. The only disadvantage to consider, as a Western Consumer is that most of the items on YesStyle come in One Size or if you're lucky in an M or an L, which I have come to realize are actually S and M. But don't be discouraged, most of the fabrics stretch a bit and buying something that feels a little tight can provide the incentive that you need to work just a little harder at the gym. YesStyle offers Free Shipping on most any items and you can always return an item you don't find to your pleasing.

1. Cowl Neck Long Sleeved Sweater by Newyorkhomme($45)

I especially like the Cowl neck that is made out of two intertwining pieces and the tone-on-tone contrast between the body of the sweater and the cowl neck.


2. Turtleneck Cape with Fingerless Mittens by Peeps ($75)

I like the concept of deconstructing the normal sweater into the body and its sleeves very much. If the weather permits it one could wear a t-shirt and the cape without the sleeves or only with one of the mitten sleeves for extra panache.


3. Hooded Knit Pullover by Deepstyle ($70)

What I like best and look for in a sweater is its ability to make you feel safe and comfortable by means of its warmth and texture. I think this pullover and its rich cowl ,which can be used as a hoodie as well, would make anyone feel all cocooned and shielded from the inclement weather.



4. Dolman Sleeve Oversized Cardigan by Deepstyle ($88)

Attending an American college I often see students walking around in their fleece pants, hoodies and pajamas to class, to the library or to get food. Now I don't want to come off as being over judgemental because I can understand where they are coming from since we all like to feel comfortable whilst we go about our daily activities. For most college students however, this desire trumps over any semblance or care of style as the herd effect takes over being further reinforced by seeing other students doing the same. The following item is what I would personally turn to during those gloomy days when you feel like staying in bed and cuddling with your warm fleece blanket. The loose structure of the cardigan and the purposefully left short sleeves allow for one to maintain their personal bubble and feel comfortable while at the same time looking chic and put together. Paired right this cardigan makes for a great Fall/Spring item.


5. Handkerchief Hem-Hooded Coat by Deepstyle ($98)

PROPORTIONS!...Proportions....proportions? It seems that western designers enjoy being so rigid in their designs or otherwise I cannot explain why there is basically no breath of fresh air as the seasons go by. Yes they change the materials, yes they all change the colours, but in terms of construction and proportions, give or take small changes in tightness, all designers stick to some form of unwritten standard. I can understand the fear of being ridiculed by the ruthless fashion critics but sometimes, if you really believe in your ideas, that first step outside of the box can make it and not break it. That's why I want to applaud the Asian designers for not really caring of what the west has to say and designing what looks good, whatever form it might take. This Handkerchief Coat looks good both untied and tied and the inverted front-tail motif can definitely advantage either a taller person or someone with a less slender physique.



6. Knit Pullover with Sash by Deepstyle ($45)

This last piece is for the ones of you who like to stand out and be inovative through what you wear. One thing I always bemoan with regards to male fashion is the reality of how little we can actually do and change about what we wear compared to the near infinity of possibilities a woman can choose from. The Pullover with Sash does so much into establishing new ground through so little that I knew I had to tell you about it the moment I saw it.




So designers....take a risk, explore that niche in your head that want to come out and let the inspiration and change flow...you'll definitely not be disappointed!