What is bohemian chic style?

bohemian chic, also known as bohemian-chic, is a romantic design style that draws on hippie inspiration. and bohemian. Popular since the 1990s, its current roots date back to the 1960s and the countercultural movement of the time. Some even date back to 19th century England. Over the decades, its popularity has continued to increase, thanks in particular to various celebrities or personalities who literally wear the style on their backs. The Bohemian style is reminiscent of pop culture, which is what makes it so unique!

If you've ever attended or viewed large musical gatherings like Coachella in California🎉, or fashion shows, you've probably seen a form of bohemian chic in action. The Bohemian chic style is distinguished by its warm tones, its graceful appearance superimposed with patterns of all colors. This gives it a very eclectic appearance. After all, bohemianism is a reference to counterculture: people who reject the establishment way of doing things and march to the beat of their own drum.

Now that you're intrigued by this one-of-a-kind design trend, read on to find out everything there is to know and how you can make its one-of-a-kind design your own.  

The word itself is curious and often confusing to some people. Defined as an unconventional way of living with other like-minded people, it has historically applied to artists, musicians, literary figures, and even those seeking more transcendent and spiritual pursuits. Although these bohemians often hold anti-state social and political views, they also sometimes express their philosophy by pledging to reduce their consumption.

First used in English 🇬🇧in the 19th century, the term bohemian was aimed primarily at writers, actors and musicians in large cities European. Many of them lived non-traditional lives. The term "bohemian" itself came into use in 1848, transferred from the French bohemian, which literally meant a Gypsy.

Gypsies were wrongly believed to have originated in Bohemia, which today is in the Czech Republic, the largest and most western historical section of Czech territory. Nevertheless, since Gypsies were historically a nomadic people, traveling across Europe, the meaning of the word "bohemian" as a representative of an unconventional counterculture takes on additional significance.

There is really no one who can say (not even historians!) by pointing, “Aha, that’s the origin of bohemian chic!” Yet there were pivotal moments after the word's acceptance into the English language that gave us clues about its development as a distinct design style.

The elements we associate with this design trend today date back to the mid-to-late 19th century, particularly the Pre-Raphaelite movement, so named because of its opposition to the emphasis placed by the Renaissance painter Raphael on elegant compositions and classical poses, which he believed corrupted art. 🖼

Their philosophy was rooted in the belief that art needed to be reformed entirely by rejecting the so-called mechanistic method of the works of Mannerism (Raphael's successor), which was characterized by more artificial design elements. The Pre-Raphaelites wanted to return art to the ideals of the quattrocento era, circa 15th century Italy, which were favored by:

• Complex compositions

• Bright colors

• Excessive details 

As a result, many of their paintings exhibited a style that was unconventional for the era in which they were made (mid to late 19th century). This is how their paintings became some of the earliest examples of Bohemian art, particularly their portraits of women. A leading Pre-Raphaelite,Dante Gabriel Rossetti , painter , Pia de' Tolomei, is a fine example.

What also makes this painting bohemian is the importance given to details, both on the subject's face and clothing and in the background. Also noteworthy is the striking similarity between the depiction of women and the depiction of women in Art Nouveau works, which typically showed them with long dresses surrounded by nature. Art Nouveau reached its peak from the end of the 12th century to the very beginning of the 20th century.

The English embroidererJane Morris presents certain characteristics that one might associate with today's bohemian chic , such as:

• Layered clothing (although there are also layers in the background composition)

• Mixed patterns (waves in her hair, folds/wrinkles in her clothes)

• Neutral and more vibrant colors for a pop effect

Then fast forward to the first half of the 20th century, we find references to bohemia as a form of fashion from an unlikely source, no less. For example, in his 2005 tome, English historianAN Wilson noted how famous model Kate Moss was described as bohemian chic as early as 2002, due to her combination of pieces like lynx mini-tops and braided leather belts. However, it was English actress Sienna Miller who was credited with sporting this look in such a way that it made it into the mainstream. 

In 2004, Miller appeared at the GlasonBury 🎉 Festival in high-profile bohemian chic fashion. She had been influenced by life in the North Kensington area of ​​London, which had always been associated with boho chic since the 1950s.

In the following years, other female celebrities began to adopt this hippie chic look, including actresses Zooey Deschanel and Mischa Barton and musicians like Florence Welch from indie rock band Florence + the Machine.

Today it is evident that this approach to chic has borrowed here and there from other design trends, which is very common in movements. As we have already said,there is a very clear overlap with certain themes and aesthetics of Art Nouveau.

Furthermore, the expression "bohemian chic" is in itselfa contradiction since it combinesthe dressyandfrugal aspects of bohemian with the elegantand more expensive accessories of chic fashion.🤩

Overall, this results in a style that is visually striking (although it can be a little confusing to know what it is, given its varied influences over the years).

To help you clarify this point, here is an overview of the main characteristics of this design trend. 😍

The basic components for a bohemian wardrobe! 👚 :

• Colors reminiscent of spring and summer: (Shades of beige, white, pastel, muslin of the essential Turquoise!) 

• Hippie Chic style jewelry: Bracelets, Earrings, Rings, Long Necklaces (studded with pearls and ethnic patterns)

• Floating skirts and dresses (often with floral patterns)

• Country style kimonos or tunics with pompoms or fringes 

• Soft, loose pants

• Suede ankle boots, sandals, or heels 

• Hair bands or flower crowns

• And finally, the essential bohemian lace dress 

 

To make a magnificent bohemian decoration we need!  🛋 :

.        A relaxed atmosphere! 

• Linen cushions, rattan chairs 

• Knitted pleats 

• The essential dream catcher

• The use of natural materials or noble materials such as burlap, bamboo, brass, gold metal or stainless steel!

• Ambient lighting: lanterns, candles and table lamps

Thanks to these little tips you will have a cozy and relaxed decoration!

x

To have 100% Bohemian graphics We need it! 📸:

• Neutral colors (from earth tones to more metallic silvers)

• Many floral and botanical patterns

• Theme of nature in general

• Mixed patterns and prints

• Contrast, both in terms of colors and textures

• Perceivable excess and eclecticism (as opposed to minimalism, for example) 

Overall, this is an eclectic trend that has borrowed from different places to create a style that is all its own, unique and leaves a lasting impression. These different elements characterize the bohemian spirit very well! 

For more ideas on what makes bohemian chic so special, including insights into its design features, take a look at some of our digital assets on the market: