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about Asia Buzz
Culture on Demand: Fashion Victims
Henna tattoos are perfect for those afraid of long commitments
By
STAN STALNAKER
June
30, 2000
Web posted at 9:30 p.m. Hong Kong time, 9:30 a.m. EDT
Not long ago, big shoulder pads were considered an undeniable part
of life for millions of women across the region. Men, too, thought
that a feather earring was a sign of liberal thinking in a new, enlightened
era. As you and the designer team at Jil Sander well know, those days
are gone (for now). Phew! So what's "in," and what are people being
caught wearing now?
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One answer is Henna. Henna applications have been around for thousands
of years -- stretching well into Africa and even into the heart of
France as early as the 12th century -- and have been an integral part
of ceremonial and decorative body art around Asia. Deep with religious
and personal significance, designs have often been passed through
lineage. Today, such applications are most commonly associated with
weddings in South Asia and the Middle East. The famous Vivaha (traditional
Hindu marriage) ceremonies provide vivid fodder for our fascination,
with images of a bride's hands and feet elaborately painted with intricate
designs the day before her wedding.
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Fashion Henna, as we shall call it in these modern times, is about
much less than all that. It's fun, it's cheap, and it's much less
dangerous than a real tattoo. Girls and boys (pets even?) seem to
enjoy the rush of painting their skin with something that sticks
around long enough to get sick of, then fades just before they regret
their decision. It's perfect for people who can't deal with long
commitments, which these days seems like nearly everyone. It's popular
with students and younger women for quite some time (think rebellious,
here) but lately it's popping up on office ladies, tai-tai's, and
even your occasional banker.
Part of the reason for its popularity is availability -- traditionally,
artists who practiced henna applications have been a little on the
tough side to find in Asia. But now henna work is appearing in mainstream
salons and boutiques in Singapore and Hong Kong, right alongside
nail treatments and pedicures. The designs are changing as well.
Traditionally ornate, new artists are creating cool and imaginative
designs -- from cartoon characters to corporate logos. And as henna
becomes even more mainstream, watch it appear in new, and unusual,
places beyond the standard hands and feet. Hmm.
For a few henna designs and a bit more history, check out www.hennapage.com
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