“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life,” said Bill Cunningham—but what if that armor carries centuries of tradition? Across the globe, clothing has long served as more than utility or ornament; it reflects culture, memory, and identity. Anthropologists note that fashion often encodes social signals—communicating status, beliefs, or community ties. As today’s designers face an increasingly globalized industry, many find inspiration in overlooked or underrepresented traditions. What makes certain cultural styles timeless? How can honoring these roots lead to deeper creativity? In this roundup, experts reflect on how lesser-known influences have shifted their perspectives on style.

Editor’s Note: This article explores cultural fashion influences through the personal experiences of designers and entrepreneurs. While every effort has been made to approach these traditions with respect and appreciation, readers are encouraged to consider the importance of cultural context and ethical collaboration when drawing inspiration from heritage practices.

Zulu Beadwork Inspires Couture Innovation

One cultural influence that I truly admire is the fashion of Zulu Beadwork from South Africa. The Zulu people use beadwork not just for decoration but as a form of storytelling. All the colors, shapes, and patterns carry messages about identity, age, marital status, or even emotions. 

Since the early days of my business, I have always admired this fashion. And, to be honest, this influence became a turning point in my business career in 1998 when I introduced hand-beaded glass crystals into the designs of my couture gowns. These intricate dresses took around three months to produce due to all the detailed beadwork. 

This eventually fueled the growth of Terani Couture throughout the 2000s.

Sas Terani, Owner, Terani Couture

Japanese Boro Transforms Upcycling Approach

One lesser-known fashion influence that deeply resonates with me is the tradition of Japanese boro—a form of patchwork quilting that emerged from the need to repair worn-out clothing using scraps of fabric. This practice is rooted in necessity but also in the art of transformation, turning something old and worn into something beautiful. I’ve incorporated this mindset into my approach to upcycling, where every scrap of fabric is viewed as an opportunity for creativity, not waste. For example, we’ve upcycled post-consumer denim into intricately patchworked bags and accessories, not just for utility but as a statement of craftsmanship and sustainability. This shift in perspective has led to a 30% increase in the appeal of our products, especially among customers who value both the history and sustainability of fashion. Boro taught me that style doesn’t need to be perfect or new to be valuable. Sometimes, the most beautiful things come from embracing imperfections and giving life to what was once discarded.

Soumya Kalluri, Founder, dwij, Dwij

Maasai Beadwork Elevates Jewelry Storytelling

One lesser-known fashion influence I admire is the intricate beadwork traditions of the Maasai people in East Africa. Their use of vibrant colors and meaningful patterns taught me how style can tell a powerful story beyond just appearance. Inspired by this, at Nature Sparkle, I introduced a limited-edition ring collection incorporating colorful gemstones arranged in patterns inspired by Maasai designs. We worked closely with ethical suppliers to ensure authenticity and respect for the culture. Within four months, this collection accounted for 22% of our custom orders and increased social media engagement by 35%. Customers connected deeply with the idea that their rings weren’t just jewelry, but symbols carrying history and meaning. For other business owners, embracing less familiar cultural influences—done respectfully—can open new creative paths and build authentic connections. Style isn’t just about trends; it’s about stories and values that resonate. When you bring that into your work, customers notice and appreciate the difference.

Yoad Bet Yosef, Owner, Nature Sparkle

Midwestern Workwear Shapes Functional Style

One lesser-known influence I admire is the rugged utility style from old-school Midwestern workwear—specifically the kind you’ll find in rural Wisconsin or northern Michigan. Think duck canvas, flannel-lined jackets, and heavy leather boots worn more for function than fashion. That gear wasn’t curated; it was tested.

When I started flipping properties, I realized I wasn’t dressing for image—I was dressing for job sites, crawl spaces, and cold basements. That look stuck with me. Now, even when I’m in meetings, I lean toward durable, clean lines that feel rooted in that no-nonsense attitude.

It reminded me that style doesn’t need to be loud to say something. Sometimes, it just needs to hold up.

Carter Crowley, Founder, CB Home Solutions

Filipino Piña Weaving Deepens Fashion Appreciation

I really admire traditional Filipino weaving techniques like the Piña fabric. It has shown me how fashion can carry deep history and craftsmanship. It has changed how I think about the stories behind clothes, making style more meaningful beyond just looks.

Chris Brewer, Managing Director, Best Retreats

Share Your Insights

We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Cultural influences can shape fashion in powerful, unexpected ways. Join the conversation and share your perspective in the comments:

• What cultural fashion traditions have inspired you personally or professionally?
• How do you think storytelling through fashion can impact the way we shop or dress?
• Have you ever worn or created something with cultural significance? What did it mean to you?

Let’s celebrate the stories behind the style—drop your answers below! 👇

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