Friday, August 5, 2011

Trend Watch: Pre-Colombian Prints

Ruche Curvy

As an white American History major with a concentration in black history, I have also earned my official Liberal certification in political correctness.  This is why "ethnic" fashions make me slightly uncomfortable.  Obviously, it doesn't matter what your heritage is, you can wear what you like. It's more how the labels and terms are thrown around. What is an "ethnic" or "tribal" print?  I'm not really sure. It just seems quite vague, patronizing, and not quite right. On the other hand, since I'm starting on my path to becoming a Social Studies teacher, I also want to be wearing interesting prints representing the world's cultures.

With that disclaimer out of the way however, an interesting print is an interesting print. It doesn't matter whether it's on an authentic traditional garment or a tank top made in Forever 21's just-above a sweat shop. If it's cute, why not wear it? This season I'm really digging all the Aztec-inspired geometric patterns. I'm no expert on Pre-Colombian design, so I can't speak to their authenticity or the correctness of labels.

Enough of my white guilt, here are the pieces I'm talking about:

Forever 21
Ruche

After the jump, more geometric Aztec-inspired motifs on standard and plus-size styles, menswear, and accessories.

Topshop
Topshop Bandeau

Dorothy Perkins
Plus Size:
Forever 21+
Forever 21+
Forever 21+

Accessories:

Here are a few more subtle ways to introduce these prints:

Urban Outfitters
Forever 21
ModCloth
Free People
Anthropologie "Chiapas" Scarf
Topshop
Etsy
Topshop
ASOS: House of Harlow
Topshop

Men's:

As far as the Men's looks, they are firmly planted in hipster territory. Which of course I'm not afraid to admit I love.

Etsy: Vintage Wrangler
Urban Outfitters
ASOS
Urban Outfitters UK. " 3 oz Aztec Flask"
ASOS

I'm not quite sure if I'll be getting anything here, but if history serves as a guide, if I spend time on a post, I will inevitably buy something from it. What do you think? Are you liking these these patterns too?

7 comments:

  1. i do love these "tribal" prints, even if i don't know what tribe the print is from. i probably should have paid more attention in textiles class!

    i love that tank from ruche!

    style-extraordinaire.com

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  2. These prints certainly are interesting. I think they looks great, no matter what the name.

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  3. these prints are great for the beach!

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  4. some geometric prints and certain color combinations tend to remind me of Missoni which i love...plus they have a men's line now :)

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  5. Love all your pictures and this is a cool trend. I hope you'll swing by Momtrends and share this post on our Monday Mingle fashion linky:

    http://www.momtrends.com/2011/08/monday-mingle-stella-dot-jewelry/

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  6. K I just went to Forever 21 last night and I am LOVING these prints right now! I'm with you, I think a lot of terms are just thrown out there and people don't really know the meaning behind them. I love your blog and would LOVE for you to come stop by mine sometime!
    rolleduppretty.com
    Have a good day!
    Savannah

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