This report is compiled by Melissa Dick
Out of Africa
By summer a distinct tribal flavour will inhabit our high
streets as many designers this season looked to the vast and exotic
continent of Africa for inspiration.
Fashion models black and white were decked out in beautiful
colours and rich graphic prints. This trend was perhaps most prevalent
at London Fashion Week, which is hardly surprising as it is certainly
one of the worlds most culturally diverse cities.
The African trend is about tribes; its focus is print,
colour and accessories rather than shape or silhouette. It borrows
methods like tie dye and batik from African art and is about contrast
and clash, embracing and mixing opposites in a new and modern way.
On many catwalks the look was an explosion of head to
toe print. But some designers translated Africa with a much simpler
and commercial sensibility – referencing safari and borrowing
details from military and colonial tailoring. These two looks will
provide a wearable mix on the high street. For example a tie- dye
skirt worn with a loose sleeveless shirt.
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At Jessica Ogden
in London African models looked beautiful and contempory in outfits
that took reference directly from The Masai tribes. Colours and
patterns such as gingham, were bold and graphic and fabrics especially
natural in a look that went back to basics. The look was paired
down using only the simplest of accessories like brightly dyed rope
in the hair or woven into shopping bags.
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Again in London, design duo Mark
Eley and Kakako Kishimoto of Eley Kishmoto called
their Afro Caribbean themed show ‘LOCAL’. Inspired by
their surroundings, namely Brixton, this title perfectly illustrates
how today’s British designers want to record and draw inspiration
from the richness of a multi-racial city of which they are proud.
On their catwalk we saw kaleidoscopes of tribal prints and patterns
styled with modern and urban sportswear like tracksuit tops and
trousers.
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At Kenzo a beautiful
riot of vibrant colour and bold pattern burst onto the Paris catwalk.
This is one designer who has always known how to walk on the wild
side, mixing print, clashing colours and contrasting textures to
the max.
Colours ranged from lime and pink to blue & red gingham and
black, white and red check combinations that directly recalled the
east African Masai tribes.
Shells and beads were used as trims and African accessories, especially
large wooden bangles are important.
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In Particular at Max Mara,
taupe trenches and heavy linen bush jackets were worn with tamer
brown and white zebra prints (just seen) or linear leaf designs.
In this picture above the jacket is sleeveless and it s four front
pockets suggest a safari inspired theme. It also has a sporty drawstring
- which in keeping with this season’s silhouette is of course
- on the waist.
At more commercial shows like Stella McCartney and Dolce &
Gabanna we also saw the simpler translation of the African trend
discussed earlier.
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Key Items for your wardrobe
this season
Batik or tie-dyed skirt
Sleeveless military shirt
Cropped trousers
African print tops
African wooden bead necklace
3- 4 chunky wooden bangles worn together
Straw wedge heel espadrilles
Gladiator sandals
Come and see high street trends for our best tips
on styling the look yourself!
High Street
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