Trend Alert | Exotic Prints
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
Roberto Cavalli | Spring 2010 | Animal Instinct
‘Exotic’ Prints y’all. They’re everywhere, or will soon be.
This can be considered an extension of Animal Prints, just fresher and less ‘Cougar’-esq.
If you’re into channeling the motherland, this season is yours, Go for it. Though the looks aren’t necessarily authentic exotic/ ethnic wear, they are more inspired.
It all seems to be about mixing and mismatching. A motley mishmash of [ethnic/ exotic] prints from all over the world. You know the kind of stuff that looks really creative on the runway but really WRONG at the food court in the Mall? That’s it exactly.
Mixing prints is sort of an art, so if you aren’t quite blessed with this talent, wearing just one print and opting for accessories will do just fine. Alternatively you can mix textures, this can work as well.
From bright, bold, rainbow mixes and candy-coloured, chunky (or layered) statement jewelry, to bold floral prints, the heavy print trend is just one cluttered statement.
Think tropical, wait. Forget that.
Lest you mind goes to those insanely unpleasant ‘Caribbean’ get ups that some [tourists] are seen wearing in the Caribbean. Head’s up… that’s not ‘Native Wear‘. That’s ‘Tourist Wear‘. No-one in the Caribbean really dresses like that, seriously. Except maybe the resorts that use them as uniforms, but that’s because that’s what they think tourists would understand ‘Caribbean’ to mean.
Anywhos, back to the issue at hand, deep, rich, bold colours that reflect inspiration from the Caribbean, Africa, India, Indonesia… and everything in between. I love it.
Just BAT away the premise that spring is ‘dainty pastel season’ – take that. Fabulous. Me ‘n pastels don’t really see eye to eye anyways.
Accessories:
- Tie-died cheese cloths scarfs, tribal printed chiffon tunics, intricately woven textiles, embroidered dresses.
- Wooden bangles and earrings, stone bib necklaces, and beads. Beads, beads, beads.
Those beaded jewelry pieces from my high-school days come to mind. Those same beaded necklaces that were forbidden as part of the uniform, that everyone so skillfully tried to hide under their blouse and tie combo… yeah.. just like those. Only bigger, more intricate.
- Leather sandals. Leather earrings.
- Huge stoned jewelry, – turquoise, tigereye, opal, river stone, quartz, red cherry amber, agate – large chunky, layered jewelry.
And the animals, God bless the animals. Not only the kitty cats get play this season. Python prints, feathers,
But wait! the prints also extend to the shoes. Of course you can opt for that animal print pump, but what about an ethnic printed one?
And it should be no surprise that braided styles are back. You don’t have to get your Patra on, just one or two well placed braids will do fine.
And leggings of course. Expect printed leggings to be around somewhere. Whatever you do stay very far away from white or horizontally striped leggings. <shudder>
The key to working all of this drama together?
FOCUS
There must be one focus, either:
1. Similar prints (shapes/ patterns) or
2. Similar colours/ same colour family.
no other iteration works. Try to test this theory and you will end up on in a picture with a black bar across your eyes that carries the title “Don’t”.
Minimalista Chic:
Minimalista Divas can get into the action too. Tribal-inspired assesories can really add a statement punch to an otherwise classic and sophisticated look.
- Beaded pumps,
- Patterned canvas wedges
- A python clutch,
- Wooden necklaces
- Bold hanging earrings
- A patterned/ tie die scarf
Just one of these well placed accessories and you are channeling a more current version of yourself. It’s that easy. You don’t have to break the bank – just a little thought, a whole new you.
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The sick beats and rhythms too much flava’for you? Black and white stripes work just fine.
There are at least 8 more trends for Spring/ Summer 2010 that we can chat about so, sit and get comfy. If this isn’t for you, you may like one of the next ones.
Next stop – The Safari Trend.
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