August 25, 2009

"Bohemian Style".

Considering that I have mentioned the word Bohemian in my yesterday post, I though I would elaborate a little bit on the term Bohemian Style, which is a favorite style of mine.
Or I guess, the only style of mine.

I love everything about it, particularly in the more modern form, where it - at least to me - embraces the free thinking of unconventional living, in harmony with nature, focused on an artistic mindset. Both in fashion and home decoration, it is the design that appeals to all my senses of a romantic dreamer, with its incredible colours, natural fabrics and an eclectic, sensual femininity in every aspect.

I bet most of you are very familiar with the term Bohemian, but few of you know its origins. Initially a French word, the term bohémien was a common term for the Romani people of France, who had reached Western Europe via Bohemia, the country of my origin. It became a term used in the early 19th century when artists and creators began to concentrate in the lower-rent, lower class gypsy neighborhoods. The alternative lifestyle of Gypsies inspired a movement, that later came to encompass almost an adventurous existence, with at times eccentric thinking of like-minded people, such as artist, actors, musicians or writers.

Of course, today the term Bohemian or Boho has been adapted to be used in describing almost anything that defines a laid back, unhampered style, such as fashion (with the term Boho-chic), interior design, jewelry making, art, crafts, literary works or music. In the past, it has been associated with writers and numerous artist, such as the Pre-Raphaelites, my favorite art movement of all.

As for my own affection for this carefree style, I guess it started early on, when I already as a child became fascinated by the vivid multitude of colours of the flaring fabrics of long dresses of the seventies. I have always been allured by anything that was aesthetically pleasing and I guess, tried to also convey that into the romantic pictures I drew as a young teenager. They became a hit among my peers and I drew countless images of ethereal looking girls with flowing wild hair and dreamy expression, all of which I gave away as gifts to my friends.

As I grew older, I was drawn to almost anything eclectic and while living in the US, my personal style developed in the direction of almost a hippie like fashion. Coincidentally, the nineties brought a revival of the 60's style, with wide pants and loose tunics with flower-power patterns. I enjoyed immensely the travels I did in the Four Corners states, where the crafts and jewelry of the Native Americans was readily available. To this day I wear rings, earrings and bracelets that are hand made in this part of the world.

My home is filled with colours and patterns as well. The style is wild and free, very much like my personal outlook. I like to think of my home as a safe heaven, always cosy and inviting, perhaps never stylish or modern and rarely organized. My visitors often tell me, that they experience a feeling of well being and relaxation, when staying at the house. The airy space and the wide windows, with mesmerizing views of nature might have much to do with that. But perhaps some of it can be attributed to the vivid colours and the unrestricted freedom of the Bohemian Style.

28 comments:

Blogaire said...

Fascinating glimpse into your life PROTEGE, you truly are a unique and beautiful person!
Wonderful collage also.

Diane said...

I can't wait to visit you to see your bohemian style firsthand! xo

Hilary said...

The Bohemian style is so YOU that whenever I see something which I'd classify as such, I think "That's something Z would probably love." True. It's so you. :)

Rajesh said...

Beautiful post. Definitely learned something new today and very interesting history.

sujata sengupta said...

first time on your page, bloghopped from Suman.It was a beautiful glimpse into your life and style. I loved the lines you have written about yourself in your profile.

Shelly's Style Shop said...

Nice post. I love the Bohemian style. All the beautiful colors and patterns. Great pictures! You have GREAT style! ;-)

Thanks for all your wonderful comments on my page. ;-) I always look forward to them.

xoxo, Shelly

Claus said...

Something wonderful I learned about you today. I think this style is definitely you. Thank you for sharing an important part of who you are.

PS I personally love warm colors; it makes every room cozy and inviting. That's why I have started this past weekend to paint my home rooms in warmer shades! So far, it's looking really nice.

Kat Mortensen said...

I like this look, Protege. The Hyggehus is definitely in the BOHO vein.

Kat

j. said...

It is very YOU... I mean, Ive always thought of you as a gypsy lady.. :-) Very eclectic and artistic..

xx

Holly said...

ahhh...Kindred spirits once again. I very much see you the beach combing, shell collecting, book in front of the fire reading, coffee drinking, bare footed, hair flowing in the wind, day dreaming, romantic and mysterious bohemian woman.

Sumandebray said...

Yes it is a very vibrant style and organic with a bit of rustic flavor. I find it quite strong and dominant too. In my opinion one got to be very careful not to overdo while adapting this style for interiors. But very nice without any question!
Yesterday your blog reminded me of the song by Queen... The Bohemian Rhapsody

Barbro Andersen said...

Bohemian is such a seductive word, I love it too! Thank you for sharing!

I'm sorry for the lack of comments recently, and thank you for commenting my blog - I really appreciate it! You are too kind to me! To answer your previous comment:

Oh, you know; I didn't even notice that myself, but I see what you mean. Hehe :)

steviewren said...

It is very easy to imagine you dresses as a stylish hippie...I think you would love my favorite store. http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

I immediately thought of your lovely flowing skirt and blowing hair on the beach a couple of weeks ago!

I love bright colors and your collage of home photos are so striking..

I just came upon two amazing Boho scarves that I bought...so beautiful yet so diverse...I will be wearing them a lot this fall and winter!

Julie Hibbard said...

You have a style all your own...and it makes YOU YOU!
I am envious of the confidence you have! I want that!!

Mahmud Yussop said...

I experienced 'hippie days' in Penang between 1971-1974 while a student there. What was bohemian then was my bell-bottom jeans,colourful Indian kurta shirts, Bob Dylan's 'Blowing in the Wind', beaded necklace,flower power and Victory sign "V" for Peace.Those were the days. But I am happy to note the the bohemian style lives in you. It's indeed a liberating style, full of artistic and creative impulses, spirit of love and freedom and an eye for colourful choices. Yes to Protege!.

Zuzana said...

=Blogaire,
ah, thank you so much for your kind words and beautiful compliments.;)) They made my day.;))

=Diane,
so when are you coming?;))) Always love your visits; here or otherwise;) my friend.;))xoxo

=Hilary,
what a wonderful feeling to know that you think of me and can relate something to my personality and style, even though we never met. That warms my heart dear friend.;))
xoxo

=Rajesh,
I take that as a great compliment from someone who writes each post filled with history and interesting pictures and facts about your beautiful country.;))

=sujata,
welcome and thank you for your kind comment. Thank you so much for stopping by and please come back again;))

=Shelly,
right back at you on every account.;))
Thank you very much for always finding the time to stop by and always have something nice to say.;)) xo

=Claudia,
thank yo so much; your comments always mean the world to me.;) I am glad you appreciate my candid writing.;))
I bet your home looks lovely, maybe you can post a picture after the redecoration.;)) xo

=Kat,
ah, I get that feeling from your posts too. Thank you so much for your lovely comment.;) xoxo

=Valentine,
yes, indeed, you have mentioned it before and I take it as a great compliment.;)) Always love when you stop by.;)) xoxo

=Holly,
wow, I think I have to save that comment somewhere on my computer as you indeed have captured the essence of me in one sentence I must be so easy to read.;)) I know; kindred we are - too bad there is such a wast distance between us. The people I would seem to get on so well are all oceans apart from me...
Lovely comment that makes me happy, as always.;)) xo

=Sumandebray,
thnak you.;)
I agree, everything in moderation. The style of your roots is an inspiration too, so many colours in fabrics!
I like your associations to my yesterdays post, it made me smile.;))
Always glad when you stop by;))

=Barbro,
so happy to see you here again and thank you.;)) No worries, I know you have been busy with the Fashion week; it seems like you had fun.;)))

=Stevie,
I will visit that link asap.;))
Always happy when you stop by my friend.;)) xo

=Jill,
what a kind comment! You say the kindest things at all times, I so appreciate your visits.
I bet those scarfs are lovely - it is so much fun to find something we really like.;))xoxo

=Julie,
you are a very unique person in every aspect,; no need to envy me.;)) I have never met anyone who is more happy about everything in life than you are.;))
Thank you so much for this wonderful comment.) xo

=Mahmud,
great comment! I love the way you use words; I can really picture you from the description! I seem to remember an old picture you once posted and it was really a look in that direction.;))
Your visits are greatly appreciated at all times.;)))

Reading Tea Leaves said...

A fascinating peep into your life Protege and such an interesting post. I love all the rich colours in the furnishings of your home - this style is truly yours!

One of my favourite places to visit is Charleston House which belonged to Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell in the 1920s - full of very boho and original things. Wonderful stuff!!

Jeanne x

Brian Miller said...

wonderful glimpse into your life and style. congrats on the POTD mention.

Cheffie-Mom said...

I came over from David's authorblog. Your blog is beautiful. Congrats on the Post of the Day mention!

Sandi McBride said...

Lovely post and a nice peek into your life...thanks for sharing...and congrats on POTD nomination at Davids/well done!
Sandi

Zuzana said...

=Jeanne,
thank you for your always kind words; somehow I knew you too enjoy this style as I can sense it from your writing and your pictures.;)
xo

=Brian,
thank yo so much for stopping by and for your words of appreciation; I was in excellent company.;))

=Cheffie-Mom,
thank you so much, I was very surprised abut the nomination actually, but very happy too. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by.;))

=Sandi,
thank you very much, your words mean a lot - so kind of you to stop by. I enjoyed your writing as well and I appreciate your visit.;))

Gal Friday said...

This was one of my favorite entries of yours ever...and I can imagine you in your daily garb of "Boho-Chic" done Ms. Protege-style. :-)
It's not really my own style(simply because I couldn't carry it off like you do, and am more influenced by an Audrey Hepburn/Sixties "mod" look), but I find the colors in your photos of your home and adornments so beautiful, exotic and warm. (especially love the patterned cushions!)
Also--THANK YOU for clearing up the origin of the term "bohemian" for us(especially me--never really understood it and now at age 46, I finally do)

Zuzana said...

=Tina,
you are a stunning woman and actually with your eclectic and exotic looks you would look incredible wearing a bohemian inspired clothing. Actually, you could wear anything and still look good.;)
Thank you so much for your absolutely kind comment; I appreciate it so much every time you stop by.,))
xo

Unknown said...

You have a beautiful flair for color and living that is so beautifully expressed here Protege!

Zuzana said...

=Michael,
thank you, I am so happy you enjoyed this post.;) I appreciate you always finding the time to stop by.;)) xo

sallymandy said...

Lovely post, photos, and history. I did not know the origin of the word, and now I do. I tend to be drawn to this aesthetic as well. Thank you...xo

Zuzana said...

=sallymandy,
so glad you enjoyed this post and that it elucidated the origins of the term "Bohemian" for you.;) xo