Modernizing Tradition

I love when the Hmong New Year Festival come around.  I grew up in Fresno, and it is the last place in the US to celebrate the event.  A lot of Hmong people make their way to Fresno after Christmas, and stay until the New Year is over. 

I love the traditional clothing that are being sold, the nic nacs, and especially the food!  I'm proud of my heritage, and once a year, we girls get all done up in our traditional outfits and take one portrait together with our mom.

We are attending a semi-traditional wedding tomorrow (my niece to be), and it's exciting.  They will wear the traditional outfit, and I wondered if I should wear mine when it comes to my big day.  My traditional Hmong Green outfit is bulky (not like the picture).  The Hmong Green outfit is a big pleated thick dress with lots of colors on it, wrapped onto the body with a bright pink and neon green sash.  We also wear heavy "statement" necklaces around our necks.  Don't forget, we have coins hanging on our sashes, and it's heavy too.

I will attempt to sew a more modern design of the outfit with the help of my mom.  I will also sew a matching vest for my fiance.  We will be the newly weds on our day, so we will be cheesy and match.