Style Bulletin: clash of the civilisations
Every Monday, I’ll be showcasing a new trend on The Modernity Project. If you’ve already ticked off pastels and peplums, this is where to come for some fresh ideas for the season.
What: Some fashion commentators are calling it “tribal” but such a vague term doesn’t really do justice to this richly layered trend. Imagine an intrepid globetrotter mixing African-style wax prints, Indonesian batik, Central Asian ikats, Eastern European embroidery and even LA surfer neons. Sometimes all at once. What it doesn’t include: florals – they’re a whole other trend.
Where: Christopher Bailey at Burberry Prorsum was an early proponent of the clash-of-civilisations look, mixing up beading, embroidery and raffia for the spring/summer 2012 collection. But it really gathered steam in June, when many young New York designers – Joseph Altuzarra (above left), Gaby Basora at Tucker (above centre) and Bibhu Mohapatra (above right) among them – showed a masterful mix of prints and details.
How: Start with something in an ikat print – it’s been a recurring feature on spring runways the past few years, so you might already have something in your wardrobe. If you’re new to the whole mix/match/clash ethos, take it slow and add some neon via a statement necklace or a pair of flat sandals. Advanced wearers can add a second print in the form of a pair of pants, a jacket or a cardigan (check out the stunning photography of UK artist Yinka Shonibare MBE for further inspiration). Keep colours tonal to avoid looking like you got dressed in the dark.
Shop it: Seed for a small injection like a scarf; Gorman if you’re ready to jump right in – I especially love this beaded and embroidered dress; Thakoon for a great ikat blouse.
Will you be clashing global prints this summer?
Photos: www.style.com
