Social media—and perhaps even my own colleagues in the fashion world—will have you believe that leading a bohemian lifestyle begins with purchasing pre-owned AllSaints skirts and ends with acquiring wedge platforms from Chloé. But here’s the thing: some of the most “bohemian” folk you will ever encounter hold no regard for fashion, and thus wear these sandals in earnest.

True Bohemian Essence

Genuine bohemia—being diametrically opposed to technology and capitalism—doesn’t look like flower crowns and fringed waistcoats or gladiator boots. Instead, it might bear closer resemblance to the silken robe that Ashley Olsen donned at the 2024 Whitney Gala last night. Lime green and embroidered with lyrical, golden textures, this coat could have been discovered in a second-hand textile store. This is, after all, the same woman who once forbade guests from capturing and sharing catwalk content on their iPhones at Paris Fashion Week, instead providing them with notepads and pencils—analogue, off-grid—to sketch the collection in real time.

The Misconceptions of Boho Chic

Like all trends with a searchable tag on social media, “boho chic” is more about fetishizing a lifestyle than authentically engaging with it. We witnessed the same phenomenon with the Y2K movement when people chose to recreate the glamorous looks seen in music videos and on red carpets instead of the slightly less glamorous items that normal people wore during the turn of the millennium.

The Irony of Modern Bohemia

• Historical Perspective: Figures like Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, and Rudolph Valentino would have baulked at the prospect of a Bohemian Style vertical on Shein. However, I imagine they would have adored Ashley Olsen’s “artsy” robe.
• Cultural Authenticity: True bohemians are known for their rejection of commercialization and conformity. They embrace simplicity and authenticity in all aspects of life—something that is increasingly rare in our fast-paced, digitally dominated world.

The Allure of Timelessness

Ashley Olsen’s choice to wear a timeless piece of fashion underscores the essence of bohemianism: an embrace of individuality and a rejection of the transient nature of trends. It’s about crafting a personal narrative that transcends fleeting fads, embodying values over vanity.

Embracing True Bohemian Values

Lifestyle Over Fashion

The bohemian ethos is centered around a lifestyle that prioritizes creativity, freedom, and authenticity. It’s not confined to the clothes you wear but extends into how you live your life—valuing experiences over possessions.

Nature and Simplicity

• Connection with Nature: True bohemians often seek a deeper connection with nature, valuing simplicity and sustainability in their everyday choices.
• Creative Expression: They embrace artistic endeavors, whether through visual arts, music, or literature, as an integral part of their identity.