Bolivian “Cholitas” Not To Be Confused With East Los Angeles “Cholas”

We’re always laboriously hunting for the newest fashion trends, and usually we’re fascinated for a quick second. The newest trends aren’t only withheld to America’s metropolises: young women in Bolivia have adopted the anachronistic style correlated with indigenous Aymara women known as “Cholitas”. These girls have embraced the decadence of Cholita attire to exude their own urban-chic, modernista spirit -kind of like what Gwen Stefani is doing with “Mi Vida Loca” inspired chola-gear in SoCal.
So who thinks bowler hats and flouncy skirts shouldn’t be left to the old folk, but cherished by youngsters? Bolivian fashion designer, Beatriz Canedo Patino,

“This has nothing to do with 500 years ago. This has to do with the present. They [cholitas] have created their own fashion.”

Damn straight esa. And you can rock the cholita-steelo for as little as $400. However don’t think that this will get you a straight pass to cholitahood:

At this year’s Cholita Pacena pageant, judges revoked the winner’s crown after they noticed her long black braids — a key element of the cholita look — had been pinned on. Told to choose a more authentic queen, the judges settled on a girl who spoke much better Aymara and sported four gold teeth.

Because even Cholitas in Bolivia need to be keepin’ it real.

‘Cholita’ look reflects how Bolivia is evolving [Chicago Tribune]