ETHNO means people

about patterned fabrics with local origins

The real meaning of ethno

The term ethno derives from the Greek word ethnos, which means nation, tribe or race. Primarily, however, this ancient term translated into all languages of the world denotes “people”, which is its broadest meaning. Ethnography involves gathering knowledge about customs and objects typical of various cultures. It creates a scientific record of any manifestations of folk traditions, which constitute the essence of the ethno style.

Ethno is defined as a national style referring to the local customs, culture, art or history of a given country and nation. It draws inspiration from remote regions of the globe, often combining various folk motifs into a multi-cultural patchwork. Ethno, boho and folk styles, which often intermingle, share a common origin in folk art and traditional craftsmanship and handicraft.

On the one hand ethno is an antidote to the all-encompassing globalisation and unification. On the other hand, it popularises local patterns in mass produced goods and allows us to experience the exotic regardless of where we live. This is why this style is so popular around the world. The classic ethno style arrived in the Western world as early as the 1960s. Just a decade later it became widely prevalent together with the popular fashion trends shaped by the hippie movement. Since then it has transformed, at the same time retaining its multi-pattern, eclectic nature.

A mixture of local patterns in the modern world.

The modern ethno style offers a variety of choice from among the worldwide wealth of folk traditions. Hindu influences are visible in vividly coloured silk or cotton fabrics with rich intricate patterns, resembling a sari. The Arab version of ethno provides thick, rich, coarse wool with characteristic carpet-like patterns. Africa enhances this style with patterns imitating animal fur and skin, Moroccan clovers, geometric totemic motifs and tribal masks in sunny or tan colours of soil.

The patterns of ethno fabrics are not limited to Africa and Asia. They also include lovely stripped fabrics and native talismans from Latin America. The Mexican variety of ethno uses thick woollen blankets in the colours of the rainbow, resembling traditional striped clothing from the Łowicz region of Poland. Every tribal pattern has its own origin, history or sometimes even a legend – be it Aztec patterns, thick chevrons, Indonesian ikata, Turkish paisley, Iranian botha or African geometric patterns. Yet, while their roots are different, they share the common value of representing people and their skills.

Modern interpretations of traditional patterns recreate the energy and local colours of indigenous cultures supplemented with craftsmanship and handiwork. Ethnic motifs and elements are omnipresent in modern interiors and design. They bring to mind the multi-cultural spirit of great urban centres around the globe. This global trend combines a number of styles that coexist and supplement each other as do people of various ethnicities.

Ethnic patterns inspired by cultural heritage are strong, bold, saturated and spectacular. Most importantly, we can combine and contrast them as we please. When handled this way, they form a rich and colourful patchwork, resembling a multi-cultural melting pot. Designers and stylists agree: when creating ethno interiors we should not limit ourselves to a single country. We should mix and match patterns, even though they originate from a number of cultures.

Colours of an ethnic puzzle.

The majority of authentic ethnic fabrics are natural. They are made from cotton, wool, velvet and silk. Modern decorative fabrics should also resemble authentic craft and should be dyed naturally. Of course, apart from natural materials (linen or cotton), there are also blends with polyester in the form of chenille or jacquard decorative patterns on natural, plain backgrounds.

Colours in the ethno style are mostly hues of the soil: ochre, rust red, olive green, blackberry and roots. Such warm colours work well with terracotta, black, navy blue, stone grey or beige. Ethno uses large, colourful geometric patterns, vibrant stripes and zig-zags as well as vivid plain complementaries. Together they form a spectrum of decorative possibilities for creating eclectic interiors.