Poncho: a symbol of culture and style
The poncho is a unique piece of national outerwear that has its roots in Latin America. The history of the poncho begins with the Araucano Indians who lived in the mountainous regions. It was they who were the first to sew and wear ponchos. The main advantage of this garment was that it provided warmth and comfort without restricting movements due to its loose cut.
The oldest examples of ponchos were found during archaeological excavations in the area where the Araucano tribe lived and date back to the 13th-14th centuries. At that time ponchos were simple in their style - it was a piece of thick material of rectangular shape with dimensions of 1.5 by 1.5 metres with a slit for the head. But despite the simplicity of the style, Indians knew how to make ponchos bright and original, decorating them with various drawings and geometric figures.
Over time, the poncho has undergone changes and adaptations influenced by different cultures. The Spanish colonising South America brought their own elements to the design and style of the poncho, adding new materials and patterns. In this way, the poncho became a harmonious blend of traditions from different nations, making it even more versatile and appealing to people around the world.
Loose Native American clothing became especially popular during the hippie era, when ethnic style elements became fashionable. Young people took great pleasure in wearing such clothes, including ponchos. This wardrobe item was popular not only because of its comfort, but also because of its ability to hide figure flaws. Moreover, the poncho could be used not only as a garment, but also as a substitute for a mattress or a warm blanket.
In the 70s, knitted ponchos made of other materials began to appear. They were more pleasant to the touch and had strength and durability. Fashionable women of that time could find poncho pullovers or poncho waistcoats in their wardrobes. Poncho shawls were also popular. At that time, many different models of poncho appeared: with "torn" edges, rounded lines or tassels on the edges. It was no longer seen only as a defence against the cold, but became an integral part of the modern image and world fashion.
One of the first designers who showed interest in ponchos was the American Michael Kore. He used knitted fur to create his models, which gave them a special charm and uniqueness. Knitted ponchos with multicoloured stripes became popular thanks to models from Vince, and the traditional plaid was used in ponchos from Burberry.
Today, the poncho is not only associated with ancient rituals and traditions, but has also become a fashionable wardrobe item in various parts of the world. Many designers find inspiration in traditional Indian patterns and create modern interpretations of ponchos, which are popular both on the catwalks and on the streets of cities.
The poncho continues to live on in people's hearts as a symbol of culture, style and comfort, uniting different peoples and eras under its cosy cover.
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