Why Modern Boho Is More Than Just A Fashion Trend
Bohemian style has always embodied a free-spirited ethos, weaving together heritage craftsmanship, effortless elegance and a deep connection to self-expression, says GILLIAN BRETT
You know when you put something on in the morning and suddenly feel a bit off? Have you ever considered it could be the energy frequency of what you’re wearing? Possibly not, but according to Lalah Delia, author of Vibrate Higher Daily, everything we wear carries a certain energy. “Texture, movement and intention all inform how we feel in our own skin… What we wear can either scatter our energy or help us root and expand,” says Delia. “Silhouettes that allow movement and softness also support the body’s natural flow.”
Whether you buy into the power of crystal healing, are consistent with your breathwork or you’re on the adverse end of the woo-woo spectrum, the re-emergence of the boho trend and all its billowing fabrics and artisanal details is evoking a free-spirited, playful and, yes, somewhat woo-woo vibe. Its resurgence can largely be traced to Chloé creative director Chemena Kamali, whose debut in March 2024 presented a soft, sensual and vintage-adjacent vision for the Chloé woman. Kamali’s boho 2.0 comes with a modern, grown-up feel, too, defined by languid dresses, such as this pretty pink silk-chiffon number, soft suede jackets and chic wide-leg pants.
“The latest boho trends feel more adult and put-together than before,” says reiki master Nieve Tierney. “It’s less about excessive layers or floaty festival dressing. The romance is still there; it feels sexy in a less direct way. It’s more about the allure of a short ruffle or the way the sleeve falls off the shoulder, and how the full look moves as you move… As soon as I saw Daisy Edgar Jones in Chloé last year, and more recently Aurora James, it was clear Chloé had done it again – it always delivers cool-girl chic that balances a youthful femininity without being overly girly.” Tierney’s first book, The Fashion Oracle, comes out on April 10, and with her wardrobe full of Roksanda dresses and sleek tailoring, and a client list that includes Stella McCartney, she straddles the worlds of high fashion and high vibrations. “[The book] introduces 70 illustrated archetypes, each representing a different energy state. It’s kind of like tarot but for fashion. I consult it for guidance on any big meetings and events coming up, and it helps me see my wardrobe differently. It guides me to dress using specific colors and silhouettes that will evoke a specific energy to channel and support me for the occasion,” she says.
It’s not just Stella McCartney who taps into alternative practices. Victoria Beckham’s love of crystals is well documented; a huge purple amethyst dominates her London flagship, and she’s shared her crystal cleansing sessions on Instagram. Beckham often works with spiritual coach and author Emma Lucy Knowles, who carries and wears crystal jewelry to harness their alleged power. “I’m wearing a lot of rose quartz and lemon chrysoprase,” says Knowles. “[Lemon chrysoprase helps give you] confidence to remember who you are, despite everything else that’s going on in the world. And rose quartz is always going to be the champion crystal; there’s so much of it on the planet because it’s so much of what we all need, which is that maternal loving feeling.”
LA-based jewelry brand Loren Stewart incorporates vibrant, responsibly sourced gemstones into its nostalgia-tinted designs – this ‘Barbell’ sterling silver lapis lazuli necklace will look divine paired with Bode’s silk ruffled blouse and Patou’s high-waisted wide-leg jeans. Similarly, Jia Jia crafts its jewelry from hand-selected natural, uncut and untreated crystals. This one-of-a-kind ‘Jumbo’ necklace is part of our NET SUSTAIN edit and has been handcrafted from 14-karat gold, adorned with diamonds and a striking crystal quartz. Let it shine against Ulla Johnson’s pretty broderie anglaise cotton and silk-blend mini dress.
As we step into the spring and summer months, Knowles also highlights our shared desire to “peel off” winter and embrace lighter fabrics. With the days getting longer and brighter, it can feel like a collective exhale. This can be a season that inspires a reset as we head off on vacation, or perhaps to practice meditation and breathwork, which are gaining mainstream popularity, no doubt in line with our always-on, hyper-connected modern lives. “As life becomes increasingly fast-paced, we’re seeking ways to slow down, self-regulate and reconnect,” says wellness expert and author of Radical Self-Care, Rebecca Moore. “Holistic therapies speak to the parts of us that modern wellness often overlooks: the unseen, the energetic and the emotional.” Moore, who formerly worked in the fashion industry and founded independent arts and culture magazine Idol, says she previously “dressed for how I wanted to be perceived. Now, I dress for how I want to feel.” If you want to feel a little freer and lighter, then modern boho might just be the look for you.
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