Fashion is going global for spring/summer 2010. Designers have delved into diversity, drawing inspiration from every corner of the globe. Two exotic trends, tribal and ethnic themes, are big this season.
Tribal fashion encapsulates African-inspired pieces, with modern takes on primitive elements such as wood, stones, feathers, animal skins and tribal tattoos. Rodarte, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen have all taken the primal path.
If you are not ready to step out looking like a fierce tribal warrior, opt instead for ethnic fashion, a more wearable way to up your exotic ante.
With key purveyors Dries Van Noten, Gucci and Kenzo, get ready for an explosion of flamboyant Indonesian ikat weaves, Javanese batik prints, rustic patchwork and intricate beading and weaving.
Bright jewel tones traditionally favoured by South-east Asian royalty, such as emerald green, vermillion orange and ruby red, are also key to flaunting ethnic style.
Here's a tip for conservative dressers: The easiest ethnic pieces to pull off are big shirts cinched with wide belts, earth-toned shorts belted with rope and linen shirtdresses.
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This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.
