The Bohemian ideal is one of the most romantic found in popular culture, conjuring images of making music under the moon whilst dreaming of far-off horizons, of a simpler way of life that values family, friendship, creativity and freedom over material goals.
A few weeks ago, just as the golden dawn of summer was beginning to crest, I had the opportunity to ponder the Bohemian ideal while putting together a fashion editorial at the famous Nissi Beach in Agya Napa. I was working with Anastasia, a beautiful young Russian model (whose vivid colouring and emotive poses have graced this blog before) and Katarzyna, the stylist whose vision shaped the story told in these images.
It was Katarzyna’s mission to convey the idea of “how to live Bohemian style in the modern world?”—an interesting, valid question. To do so might seem challenging in a society where technology is becoming not only an obsession, but in many cases almost a necessity, but it can be done. The key is to keep one foot firmly rooted in nature—in hearty natural food, natural cloths, in time spent “away from it all”—while also knowing how and when to embrace what the modern era enables in terms of creativity. The Digital Revolution has, after all, allowed creative people to access a vast audience from anywhere and to work while on the move—what could be more Bohemian than that?
Likewise, one should always stay in tune with, and express, their unique individual self; Bohemianism is all about the journey of the individual, and the freedom of thought as well as motion. Fashion is essential in this as it is one of the best—and most fun—ways to actively channel and showcase one’s inner self.
The imaginative spirit of Bohemianism infuses its fashion (referred to often as “boho” fashion) with careless splashes of colour and unconventional pairings, creating an eclectic overall vibe. It usually combines elements from the hippie fashion movement (long dresses, flared jeans, floral prints, tunics) along with cues taken from Europe’s bohemian gypsies, a focus on comfortable styles, and a passion for layered, colourful jewelry. Boho is all about taking seemingly mismatched elements and somehow making them work, challenging one’s creative skills as well as inciting curiosity in onlookers.
At its heart, Boho is not simply about having artistic inspiration, it is about being artistic inspiration—a mood wonderfully conveyed by our model Anastasia in these photos.
Stylist: Katarzyna Szopa
MUA: Sapfo Karapashi Xeni
Hair: Anna Iacovou
