National dress and fashion trends of a royal Bhutanese wedding

Abstract

In 2011, the Fifth King of Bhutan, His Majesty, Druk, Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, married his commoner bride now titled ‘Her Majesty, the Druk, Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck’ (Yeewong 2011 : 4). To the Bhutanese, this was one of the most joyous celebrations the country had seen in recent years. The Wangchuck monarchy has been revered by the Bhutanese people for over a century as the family dynasty has bought peace, happiness and increased prosperity to Bhutan. More importantly, the dynasty has been able to maintain their traditional culture. This has not been an easy task, since the opening of Bhutan’s borders to Westerners in the 1970s meant the country has been prone to external infl uences that can be seen to have had both a perceived positive and negative effect. To ensure these infl uences are more positive than negative, individual decrees by the reigning Kings meant the distinctive culture of Bhutan was preserved. One such declaration was the announcement that all Bhutanese must wear the national dress of the Bhutan; a kira for females and a gho for men. Not only has this provided the Bhutanese people with a sense of identity and pride, it also has also sustained the traditions and culture that the ever growing tourism industry has come to expect. Coupled with elaborate costumes, make-up and masks for festivals and events, the Bhutanese national dress has become iconic around the globe and uniquely fashionable throughout Bhutan.