Italy

Traditional Dress:
The wealthy Italian women worn grand dresses of bright colors and intricate detail. The men worn more simple attire, yet still included many details such as buttons and collars. The peasants worn plain colored clothing and wide brimmed hats that were practical for work.



Historical Connection: 
In addition to the dresses, the wealthy women would also wear grand hats made of fruit or flowers. They did this to mock the lower class for carrying baskets on their heads. The wealthy people and peasants were very divided in Italy for most of history. However, on special religious holidays, the lower class would wear their most gorgeous dresses to fit in with the rich women




Modern Dress:
Italian have a sophisticated, fashion forward way of dressing. It is rare to see someone walking the streets in overly casual attire such as sweatpants or yoga pants. Here are a few key points to modern Italian style.

1. Shoes- Men wear quality leather loafers, while women are masters of walking in high Italian made heels.
 



2. Denim- the Italians may not be ultra casual, but they sure love their denim. The jeans worn by these Europeans are worn in a classy way, generally skinny jeans to be fitting to the body.




3. Simplicity- Italians do not over accessorize. They prefer to keep outfits to simple, form fitting items made of quality materials. A simple nose stud, sunglasses, and purse are about the maximum for accessorizing an ensemble.





Influence of Art:
The Renaissance was an integral time period for art, music, and architecture around the world. Specifically, it brought a culture to Italy. These art pieces influenced many aspects of society, but people overlook the influence of art in fashion. Due to its artistic background, Italy was soon to hold one of the first recognizable fashion shows in Florence. Italian fashion continues to be an influence to designers around the world.

Brazil

Traditional Dress:
Brazil has many different cultural influences; however, their main conquerors were the Portuguese, which is why they speak that language. The original clothing of the Brazilians dates back to before the Europeans came into the New World. In some parts of Brazil, traditional clothing is brightly colored clothing and embroidered fabric. In other places, cowboys would wear trousers with ponchos and straw hats for working in the fields.



Historical Connection: The Poncho
In South America, the poncho was an important piece of clothing to protect from the weather while working. It was designed to keep the body warm and dry from the rain. These overcoats were knitted or crocheted, which was a popular practice among in the women in the South American region. Brazil has always been a huge agriculture region, being home to crops such as sugarcane, coffee, and soybeans. Locals have always taken advantage of these opportunities through working hard and trading their goods for their crops.
 

Modern Dress: Swimwear
Due to the gorgeous beaches and beautiful women of the Brazilian culture, this country has become famous for their swimwear. These Latin style swimsuits are generally more revealing than bathing suits in America; however, they are becoming popularized around the world, with major labels such as Victoria's Secret introducing the "Brazilian Itsy Bikini".



Fashion Bloggers:
As an up and coming destination for the fashion industry, Brazil has many stylish women of their own. Many worldwide famous fashion bloggers hail from the Brazilian coastline, and they generate interest for fashion shows, retail stores, and consumer buyers. Due to the real life women showcasing their style through the internet, Brazil has made a name for itself in fashion.

 

England

Traditional Dress: The Victorian Era
Clearly, the British have a long history; however, one of the most significant times in fashion and architecture was the Victorian era. Rich bright colors and lace details adorned beautiful gowns with puffy sleeves. These ensembles included breath restricting corsets and layers of petticoats and underskirts. Also, these featured a very low neckline and were often accompanied by long fancy gloves. 






Historical Connection:
This period was focused on visual arts and stunning details. As clothing became easier to produce through new sewing machines and custom sewing techniques, fashions became more accessible. Machinery was constantly being updated, producing more gorgeous Victorian gowns.







Modern Dress:
England is a very fashion forward country, with London often being considered the fashion capital of the world, and being home to the famed British Fashion Council. However, it may be questionable how modern styles here differ from their daughter country of the U.S. Style in Britain is very individual to each person, whether they choose a proper British ensemble or would rather fit in with the grungy London rock scene.

 

London Fashion Week:
Fashion Week is held in London twice a year to showcase the latest styles from British designers, and which retail buyers, magazine editors, and celebrities strive to view. Britain has brought forth some of the world's most coveted designers such as Stella McCartney, Burberry, and Alexander McQueen.

    

France

Traditional Dress:
Before the couture fashion labels such as Chanel, Dior, and Givenchy came about in France in the late 1800's, the French people wore more simple clothing. Men were seen in basic trousers and black wide brimmed hats. In grand tiered skirts and lace headpieces, the elegance of a woman's attire all depended on her wealth.


Historical Connections:
During the French Revolution, the working class were known as the "sans culottes". Culottes was not a term for some important social structure, but they were actually a tight fashionable trouser. During the reign of Henry III, these knee length pants, fastened by straps, buckles, or drawstrings, were worn by the wealthy-folk. Therefore, the working class was known as the "sans culottes" as they fought against the rich French government.

Modern day pants known as "culottes"

Modern Dress: Famous Designers
These fashion designers paved the way for current trends throughout the world, and they all hailed from France, making this country a hot spot for couture style.

1. Yves Saint Laurent
He was known for creating ready to wear clothing, and popularizing the tuxedo for both men and women.





2. Coco Chanel
This famous French lady continues her legacy today through the hands of Karl Lagerfeld in the Chanel brand. Her inspiring Chanel No. 5 was her signature fragrance and a bestseller that stands the test of time. Coco took pride in creating comfortable couture clothing made for women.



 

Milan:
One cannot mention France and fashion without the iconic city of Milan. This style conscious city is one of the big 5 cities for fashion week around the globe. It hosts many of the world's most prestigious fashion schools, and makes home for the most couture style icons and experts.

Japan

Traditional Dress: The Kimono
Kimonos were worn by both men and women; however, the significance of a woman's kimono had many meanings. These long silk robes would display the relationship status, age, and social class.



          

Why the Kimono?
 Actually, kimono was originally used as the Japanese word for "clothing". During the Heian Period (794-1192), a new straight line cut method was introduced, popularizing the kimono as a regular garment. These pieces began to evolve, as in the Kamakura Period (1192-1338), men worn brightly colored kimonos on the battlefield to signify their country and intimidate the opposing side. However, as the Meiji Period (1868-1912) unfolded, the Japanese began to Westernize, and the kimono was solely used as traditional and formal dress.

Modern Dress: Street Style
Japan is known worldwide in the fashion industry for its outrageous and unique street style. There are a few key subcultures popularized by Japanese fashion fiends.

Cosplay:
This Japanese style is basically any clothing that represents ridiculous characters from anime/manga comic books or TV shows. These styles are showcased around the world at anime conventions and clothing contests.

                   

Lolita: 
This look basically displays the delicate innocent style of children in a Victorian manner, with lace details and porcelain faces.

                             

Makeup:
The Japanese love to emphasize their features, and they are certainly not afraid to do this with the use of makeup. Commonly, they go for a doll-like look, with wide bright eyes and rosy cheeks.