As a twenty-something, I grew up during what I consider the 'Golden Era of Disney.' I don't know if that's actually the case, that the 90's were the golden era, but the most glorious decade for pop culture, in my opinion, did produce a fashion icon in Princess Jasmine from Aladdin.
Granted, harem pants were around long before Disney decided to play up inaccurate Middle Eastern stereotypes, but Princess Jasmine's blue pair of harem pants brought this style to the forefront of my mind, and I had always wanted a pair.
Of course, now that I'm older, and I see harem pants hitting the runway in living color, I'm not quite sure what to make of them. And even though harem pants tried making their transition to the Western World circa 2007, it's the 2009 runway that seems to be embracing the Persian/Arabic fashions.
Exhibit A:
At the Christian Dior fall 2009 show in Paris, John Galliano unleashed the Middle Eastern fashion inspiration beast as models donned outfits that were a unique and modernized blend of Asian and French designs.
Exhibit B:
Paris fashion week also welcomed a different take on Harem Pants at the Balmain fall 2009 collection. Lending itself to a slightly edgier look, this version make me wonder how many models could actually fit into each pant leg.
Exhibit C:
Even Alexander McQueen's spring/summer 2009 collection's gone harem.
Harem pants are now making their way to stores, and in much more affordable versions, like this black pair at Asos, this comfy-cute version at Forever 21, or these characters available at Anthropologie.
Admittedly, I once owned a pair of sweatpants resembling harem pants, that my best friend playfully nicknamed "The Genie Pants." However, aside from a comfy pair of duds to be worn around the house, I'm not quite sure how harem pants would translate into ready-to-wear.
What are your thoughts on this modern take on a "Arabian" classic?
