Trials and tribe-elations
Although Africa is one of the origins of these innovative tribal prints, they are now ruling the fashion charts across the world.
Take a walk on the wild side! From Paris Fashion Week to runways across New York, London and other runways across the world and India, it’s all about pepping up your mood and donning your hippie hat, as you amp up your fashion ante with this whimsical boho style trend.
Tribal fashion continues to rule the fashion charts with geometrical and zesty tribal prints bursting with sub Saharan vivacity. Style takes on an African twist this season, as designers Malini Ramani, Masaba Gupta, Pankaj and Nidhi, Wendell Rodricks and many others go gung ho over the trend.
Bengaluru-based designer Susan Fernandes states, “With tribal prints you can add a touch of quirk and fun to your look. Hand dyed indigos and block prints are some of the popular tribal motifs. Most of these tribal motifs are derived from nature. You can pair them with accessories of silver, thread work and tassels to complete the look.”
Making heads turn are celebrities Beyonce, Heidi Klum, Rihanna, Jessica Szohr Kristen Stewart, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Sonam Kapoor and many others have pioneered the boho trend borrowing patterns from cultures far and wide on Western silhouettes.
Bengaluru-based designer Michelle Salins who has showcased at international runways, states, “Tribal inspired fashion is making a huge impact on the fashion industry year after year and 2016 seems like it’s the biggest so far! Happily being named ‘tribalism’ by the fashion industry, I believe its fun, edgy and oozing confidence. I personally like the bold colours and graphic prints that encompass the whole look.”
Designer Raj Shroff adds, “The beauty of any culture is its depth and mixed hues of how different but yet unique they are. African tribal prints are trending in a big way and it shows no sign of fading any time soon. It’s sure to pep you up. But just wear them right and don’t ever overdo the look. Know how to strike a balance and yet look stunning in a tribal eye-catchy print.”
Agrees another Bengalure-based designer Reshma Kunhi, “Rustic and bright hues rule the tribal trend palette. Look for animal prints in long or short dresses or choose from flowy African kaftans for a classy look. If you want to flaunt those legs go for a short tribal print kurta dress and pair it with leather sandals. Pair colourful beads, metal neckpiece or chunky earrings with any solid bright colour outfit."
Go from bold to bolder, wild to wilder and bright to brighter! Go rule the style charts!