Saturday, 13 August 2011

Trending... Tribes & Tribulations

From left to right:
Etro, Dries Van Noten, Lourdes Ciccone in AllSaints, Jean Charles de Castelbajac, Roberto Cavalli

No doubt you've heard the words 'Ethnic', 'Tribal', 'Aztec' & 'Navajo' floating round the pages of the fashion mags recently & that's because this trend, after appearing in the Spring/Summer runway shows of L.A.M.B, DVF, Jean Charles de Castelbajac & many more, has now hit the high street with a bang. 

The most obvious way to work this trend is with a large Navajo tribe print with a splash of colour much like the sell-out AllSaints mini dress donned by Madonna's daughter Lourdes (above) which has also appeared on the bodies of HSM's Ashley TisdaleUna Healy of The Saturdays fame. Jean Charles de CastelbajacDries Van Noten have both gone for small detailed prints in eye catching bright colours for a stand out look. For inspiration for a more ethnic & ethereal look choose more natural, muted colours like Etro & add some soft feathers & fringing in the style of Roberto Cavalli.

What we at TTP love about this trend is that it's the perfect choice of styles, textures & colours for this transitional period from Summer to Autumn. Loose knit jumpers, oversized capes & silky kimonos are staples for your aztec closet. Consider the texture of an item before you buy it... Tactile fabrics like wool, mohair, leather & faux fur are great for outerwear. Think autumnal in your colour palette with earthy shades of black, browns, beige & nude with rich reds, blues & greens sparingly thrown in to the mix for contrast. Your prints should be sharp & directional rather than abstract & a great way to get the tribal feel is to look for prints that echo animal print in their markings but are not immediately identifiable with a certain species ('cause then you're just wearing leopard print!) & your accessories should make a statement. Look for feather detail, fringing, chains, spikes rather than studs & anything that resembles armour.

Now that you're armed with information about the trend, it's our duty to show you the best way to rock it. Have a look below at our Top Picks from the high street & on-line & go forth & let loose your inner tribeswoman!                                                              xo TBC


Top Picks


Earthy Ethnic:
Black/Silver lace & jacquard jacket - Karen Millen €302.00,
Geo-pattern bodycon dress - Miss Selfridge €61.00, Vanessa vest - Motel €35.90,
Fringed aztec tote - Accesorize €65.00, Mohair cocoon cardi - Topshop £50.00stg,
Embellished python skirt - AllSaints €210.00,
Mercer Wedge - 
Michael Antonio Studio $105.00 (approx €75.00) @ www.endless.com

Aztec Accessories:
Pharoah bead statement necklace - Accesorize €24.90,
Green/Gold origami clip on earrings - ASOS €19.23,
Mixed metal stack ring - Accesorize €12.50, Metallic coil bracelet - Penneys €5.00,
Cobalt blue stud earrings - ASOS €10.26, Metallic plate neck piece - Penneys €5.00,
Silver plated arrow ring - A
urelie Biderman €131.08 @ www.net-a-porter.com

Tribal Tones:

Snake print satchel - Penneys €13, Monochrome fair isle jumper - River Island £40.00stg,
Soft Barbarian Ikat print top - Warehouse €72.00, Mixed print kimono - R.I. £50.00stg,
Soft knit palazzo pant - Forever 21 €21.75, Red Adelia ankle boots - Miss KG €110.00






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