Under the Influence: A Tribal Trance

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We're taking a closer look at the cultural influences that inspired this year's Spring collections, from Mexico to India and back again.

As "fashion month" comes to a close, we can't help but reflect on the explosion of cultural influences that were sent down the runway this season, from Burberry Prorsum to Michael Kors–and even in menswear. While some designers opt to go the more subtle route when it comes to revealing their inspirations, many chose to put the tribes and peoples that inspired them front and center for Spring. Check out the designers below who have trekked around the globe to find traditional inspiration for their contemporary designs.

Who: Michael Kors
What: Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear
Where: South Africa
Michael Kors took us to Africa with the debut of his spring 2012 collection. The designer's multiple trips to the continent this year were used as fuel for the collection, which he called 'Afriluxe'. The ready-to-wear threads are minimal and chic, making it arguably luxurious and indeed African. The earth toned colors, African tie-dye prints and stylish gladiators rounded off the safari look and perfectly captured Kors' idea of the "rustic modernism of the Lebombo."

Who: Thakoon
What: Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear
Where: India
Designer Thakoon Panichgul was the true globetrotter this year as he returned yet again with another culturally enriched collection. This time around Panichgul played with the concept of "Cowboys and Indians," merging U.S Western cowboy boots and hats with Eastern Indian paisley designs. The collection is smart, creative and executes each cultural reference effortlessly, sending you on a sartorial trip like no other!

Who: Donna Karan
What: Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear
Where: Haiti/West Africa
Donna Karan is yet another designer who packed her bags and ventured out for the inspiration of her latest collection. This time around, her destination was Haiti, and the trip resulted in pieces saturated in the country’s rich history. Each piece looked like a piece of art, with prints that resembled paintbrush strokes in neutral hues. The garments resembled West African mud cloth and showcased tribal masks found in the same region.

Who: Shaun Samson
What: Spring/Summer 2012  
Where: Mexico
Designer Shaun Samson celebrated his Southern California roots through a Mexican themed collection of poncho silhouettes and Mexican serape fabric. Samson's collection maintained it's masculine aura against the vibrant colors that permeated each piece. But most importantly, Samson stayed true to the country’s customs through the presentation of his collection, showcasing each garment in ways it's traditionally worn.

Who: Edun
What: Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear
Where: Africa
Edun–a label known for its ties to Africa–encourages trade between various African countries and the West, howeer this the first time we saw Africa's presence in the aesthetics of the runway collection. Edun provided a modern look with mismatched traditional African prints, dye patterns and beaded necklaces. Some of the pieces are made in Africa by artisans, giving the overall collection a true essence of Africa.

Who: Mara Hoffman
What: Spring 2012
Where: Mexico
Designer Mara Hoffman blended Aztec designs, rope necklaces and Mexican neon print from head to toe–literally! Models donned Mexican fabric in their hair and even in their espadrilles for Hoffman's spring collection. The designer's overall concept stayed true to its name, 'Mexican Mamas' as the garments were fun, flirty and culturally stylish.

Who: Burberry Prorsum
What: Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear
Where: Africa
Burberry excellently executes the use of pattern in the latest spring show mixing and matching bold stripes with electric colors, geometric shapes with elegant trimmings and modern contours with traditional African prints. The mix of textures and shapes brings the African print to a fresh and invigorating realm, allowing the entire collection to embody a classic yet edgy aesthetic.

Where did you spot tribes on the runway this season?

3 Comments

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  HilaryWeissman • 8 months ago
  Great round-up...such vivid colors and prints- love!

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  brittneecann • 8 months ago
  love the mara hoffman collection so much

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  Cassandra • 7 months ago
  great pieces

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