Flaunt your tribal instinct

Summers are here, and so are the holidays. Just the time, when instead of succumbing to the sweltering heat, you can add a dash of fun to your wardrobe with tribal elements. It is the hot look for the season, say fashionistas.

Says designer Ana Singh, “Tribal or ethnic fashion is  effectively about two elements —  prints and weaves —  interpreted in a host of ways. Using the American Indian motifs and ikat prints, it has a ’60s and ’70s feel to it.  It is a style statement, but one that also exudes comfort.  It is perfect for summer’s aesthetic. Ethnic print shorts and woven jumpers look great.”

Designer Sanchita Azzampur feels that it’s the odd embellishment, that goes along with the prints that make tribal look a hit. “Crafted in cottons, linens and light chiffons, the visually-patched garments are instant and the easiest way to make a fashion statement. Make  it casual by wearing printed tights with a monotone top or for a formal look, pair a tribal print jumpsuit with a linen jacket. If you’re looking to making a statement, look for patterned shorts.What makes the tribal print a hit is that it has many options from bold prints to  odd textures and also blends perfectly in your summer wardrobe — bright and bold. This season it’s more urban with trendy prints juxtaposed with a palette of whites, corals and pale yellows.”

Designer Lina Tipnis, however, feels that tribal prints need to be abstract and should play to both bright and dark hues. “The chaos that tribal prints form on a fabric make it attractive with patterns embellished upon darks — be it pleated summer dresses adorned with prints, a swimsuit or a sarong. No one is going to want to get wet with the ikat or paisley mixed with tribal motifs serving as accents,” she explains.

She adds that the bold bohemian patterns are the dominant elements, and they look great on any body type and style. “In fact, tribal themes are used with animal prints, combined with geometric earthy hues such as grass green that are very African in their feel — the perfect tribal safari,” she says.