Polynesian Inspired Design on Straight Dress

Oceania and Pacific - Polynesian Cultures

Polynesian Inspired Design on Straight Dress

Sizes: M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL

Opacity: 3

Sleeve: Fixed

Elasticity: This fabric has significant elasticity and can be stretched quite far without losing its opacity. However, we have provided sizes that can be worn without this garment becoming all over skin tight. While it will fit firmly across the busy and arms, and it will glide over the hips, on most people it will fall to the floor without grabbing the body firmly as it does so. If you would like even greater movement and less firmness in the fit, buy this garment one size up.

The world region known as Oceania and the Pacific is home to four geographic sub-categories - Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Unfortunately, these subcategories were developed by white colonists who started moving into the region from the 18th century, and identified differences between cultures based on cultural, religious, linguistic and ethnic traits. One thing history and anthropology have demonstrated to us time and again is that these colonists were usually blinded by their own cultural assumptions and completely misinterpreted and misunderstood many of the cultures in the region. Colonists aLao had a vested interest in disrespecting and belittling these cultures, as it made the colonial project much easier for them.

It is important to note this history as the Indigenous people of this region have been forced to fight for centuries to regain their culture and take control of their own cultural output. As such, we will not stock clothes that claim to be from a specific cultural group from this region (such as Aboriginal, Māori, Fijian etc) unless we can confirm that the materials or art used to decorate those materials has come from an indigenous producer and the profit from the sale of these cultural products is going back to an Indigenous business-owner, artisan or community.

However, this is not a region frozen in time or place. The artistry of people of this region has mixed and mingled and inspired a generalised artistic form that we are calling Polynesian style. This art does not contain the symbolism and religious and cultural foundations of the art of individual cultures. It is a more generic style that amalgamated motifs and images popular throughout this region. It also incorporates the strong black lines and repeated patterns evident in most Polynesian art.

Afterall, post-colonisation, many people in the region became devout Christians and as such modest dress is an important feature of their life as well as a way to celebrate their Indigenous culture. There are also significant Islamic communities in this region who also meld modest dress with their traditional cultural motifs. So we could not miss the opportunity to celebrate and share the beautiful and important art and fashion history of these beautiful cultures! ❤️

With its beautiful design and warm colours, this is a beautiful dress. However, the material is an elasticised polyester that makes it feel cool and smooth against the skin and limits static. This makes this dress the perfect option to wear under an open abaya as well as in its own right.

Garment Measurements in centimeters (bust)

M - 97

L - 103

XL - 109

2XL - 115

3XL - 121