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 Tisdale & Una Healy of The Saturdays fame. Jean Charles de Castelbajac & Dries 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 - Aurelie 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