International fashion trends are making their way off the runway and onto McKinley Avenue as the fall season begins, and some local and online stores are stocking their shelves with globally inspired accessories.
"It usually indicates the styles inspired from diverse traditional clothing using unique dyeing, textile, embroidery and accessories from diverse nations except Europe," Jinhee Nam, family and consumer sciences assistant professor, said.
This style include both exotic and tropical looks.
"Traditional clothing from Asia, South America, Africa and Mongolia has been widely introduced, and it has been adopted by modern designers such as John Galliano," Nam said.
Nam said recently Polynesian prints have been introduced as a trend with flower bracelets, shell bracelets and bamboo clutches.
Tribal or globally inspired clothes and accessories can be found locally at consignment shops such as Plato's Closet and Uptown Girl Ladies Consignment in Yorktown and retail stores like Target. Anna Sui is displaying a few tribal pieces in her collection for Target, which is inspired by the popular TV show "Gossip Girl."
"World Market" in Carmel also sells ethnic-inspired bags and jewelry in its store and online at worldmarket.com. Other online retailers such as overstock.com also have a subcategory called "world stock," where tribal trends are easy to find, Nam said.
One site, tribalsociete.com, sells ethnic pieces created by artisans in other countries. The cofounders, Alma Sloan and Nicole Basabe have traveled to six countries, bringing back ethnic pieces of jewelry and accessories.
"We started this company because we would wear the pieces we bought from other countries and people were always asking where we got them," Basabe said. "We wanted to make these items available to the public while supporting the artisans; we pay more for their pieces than they would get at a trader's market."
Tribal Societe also donates a portion of its profits to a worthy cause, the Global Fund for Women, Basabe said.
"The Global Fund for Women is an amazing charity that educates and gives initiative to women all around the world to institute a change in their community," Sloan said. "This cause teaches women about human trafficking, AIDS and ways for them to get jobs."
In addition to helping out international artisans, buying products from different countries can make the wearer stand out as an individual.
"I think that our company is a unique take on what other people have tried," Basabe said.
Authentically ethnic fashions are not like the mass-marketed fashions of today. They can be worn in many different ways, Nam said.
"Mixing with modern items such as jeans or sleeveless tops would be a good way for students on campus," Nam said. "Mixing a patterned garment item with a solid color garment would create ethnic style with modern taste.
Nam suggests wearing either upper garments or under garments in ethnic items, then wearing the rest of items in modern design. She also recommends adding some accessories such as sandals, necklaces, sea grass bags and bracelets.
Nam said while it is easy to go overboard with these fashions, it is best to pair one or two ethnic items with something more plain to tone it down.
"I would suggest an ethnic patterned loose one-piece dress and modern sunglasses, wooden bangle and flat sandals, or a solid color sleeveless shirt and patterned loose and long skirt for the summer," Nam said.
This look has been tried out by many designers and is expected to stay pretty popular among the fashion community during the fall, she said.
"It could be less popular or more popular during certain periods, but I don't think it will disappear," Nam said. "The exotic color, patterns, vibrant look and unique designs are attractive enough to fascinate the consumers."
Cold weather is also coming around, so Nam said it is a great time for both women and men to try out ethnic inspired scarves.
"A bold patterned shirt and chino short pants and bags could be good recommendations for male students," Nam said.
Where to buy
Plato's Closet819 E. McGalliard Road765-282-0567
Uptown Girl Ladies Consignment & Boutique8509 W. Smith St., Yorktown765-759-0242
Cost Plus World Market2200 E. 116th St., Carmel317-706-0400,worldmarket.com
Online:Tribal Societe, tribalsociete.com
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
