Description:
The original so-called “harem pants” were introduced to Western fashion by Paul Poiret around 1910 and were inspired by Middle East styles: şalvar – from the Turkish style pants; shalvar from South Ashia, or Patiala salwar, sirvar from Bosnia.
Inspired by these Oriental styles Paul Poiret, in 1911 introduced harem pants to the West with an effort to reinvent and liberate women’s fashion.
http://www.sambawamba.com/apps/blog/show/43515920-history-of-harem-pants