MODERN TRIBE

As an aspiring fashion market editor, I'm always looking forward for leads on emerging trends. Although "tribal" isn't a new trend (ikat prints were heavily featured on 2010 runways and "tribal" has served as inspiration for countless collections in the past), the direction of tribal is shifting; a less organic design featuring twisted and digitally remixed prints take away the instant tribal recognition, providing a modern tribal aesthetic through twisted geometries, abstract ikat, mixed scale, mosaic patterns, and computerized print.

Missoni Spring 2011 highlighted a slightly psychedelic print immersed with acid colors and tribal shapes while LAMB Spring 2011 featured a heavy African influence in ruffle-tiered silhouettes and voluminous bustier dresses complete with platform heels with braided and raffia detailing and bold African-bead necklaces.

Tribal begins to take a techno-twist, undeniably an emerging trend for Spring 2012, where digitized, exaggerated tribal shapes are heightened with bold color combinations, as seen at Holly Fulton Spring 2011. 

I'm ready to embrace the techno tribal revival and can't wait to fill my closet with digitized ikats and bold African prints!