The Haute Spot: The Tribal Trend

By Ashley George
Thursday, May 21, 2009

Designers from Yves St. Laurent to Proenza Schouler are all introducing tribal and ethnic pieces to their lines this season. This trend is great if you want to break away from dated spring pastels and summer brights. If you're going to go tribal, here's the best way to do it:

Tips:

• Look for cool details like beading, stones or jewels
• Don't shy away from bright colors - but if you want something that you can wear to the office, look for prints in muted tones or black and white
• Play with fabrics: silk, leather, cotton, or a little sheer number all work for this trend
• Think High Fashion, not Halloween: stick to one or two pieces, subtlety is best

Afraid to rock a full on dashiki? No worries - take baby steps. Look for funky jewelry next time you're out shopping. Many stores are featuring cuffs, bangles and beads in every color. Play up a bare neckline or try some bold earrings on for size. Finally never doubt the power of a colorful scarf, bag or shoe; it can really pull this look together. Check out some of these runway and real world fashions to get your juices flowing:

Runway:

Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton (shoes), Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood

Real World:

Courtesy of the Maitland Art Center

Inspiration:
Stop by the Chapel at the Maitland Art Center. Its stone carvings feature Mayan and Aztec motifs in deep oranges and yellows and powerful geometric shapes. The museum also houses African and Seminole collections with great beading detail that are sure to get you in the tribal mood.

For more information, visit the Maitland Art Center.

(Photo Source: Runway photo, stylishsarah.com; Red dress/chapel/Maitland Art Center photos courtesy of Maitland Art Center)