Spring 2012 ushers in a strong trend that is front and center with local retailers — tribal and ethnic prints. In a sense, springtime patterns have always been lively and colorful, but mainly floral and almost always soft and pretty. These patterns are feminine while also being strong, powerful, and unique. On a gorgeous day on the Mississippi River, we played with patterns and discovered that ethnic prints suit us perfectly when in search of our inner tribe.
African Queen
Stand tall and proud in some of Spring’s most inspired style. Maxi printed skirt, $65, from Southern Couture. Peach silk top by bar 111, $29; olive green safari jacket by Rachel Rachel Roy, $129; gold bracelet, $42; all from Macy’s Oak Court. Long beaded tri-color necklace, $25; leopard cuff, $18; both from Secret Services Salon. Black and gold banded ethnic necklace and gold mesh choker, both model’s.
Natural Selection
Mixing in animal prints with these tribal and ethnic patterns gives a natural feel to the overall vibe. Leopard poncho, $995; by Michael Kors, metal cuff, $445; all from Joseph.
Urban Safari
Navy and white is a classic Spring color combination. It is fresh with these printed palazzo pants and anchored with a long vintage Chanel necklace. Button-down by Kensie, $78; pants by bar 111, $59; gold cuff, $20; woven hat, $40; all from Macy’s Oak Court. Set of snakeskin bangles, $15, from Secret Services Salon. Stretch tank from Southern Couture worn throughout, $18. Vintage Chanel necklace, $2,170, from Mednikow in James Davis.
Medicine Woman
Look like a tribal goddess in a printed maxi dress paired with another patterned layer. Dress by Phoebe Couture, $395; cardigan by Gypsey, $295; both from Southern Couture. Hand-made necklace by Brave Designs, $275, from James Davis. Hoop earrings, $24, from Macy’s Oak Court. Arm cuff, model’s own.
Born To Be Wild
Colorful super-soft leather jackets are a trend we begin to see in Spring and are predominant in Fall. Yellow silk top with snakeskin trim detail, $295; silk patterned shorts, $285; soft leather jacket, $695; all by Mark & James. Set of bangles by MaxMara, $135; geode slice earrings by Brave Design, $135; all from James Davis. Faux snakeskin bangle, $10, from Secret Services Salon. Hand-made paper rolled and beaded authentic Ugandan necklace, Augusta Campbell, Stylist.
Special Thanks To:
Channing Andreya, model Elan Creative Services
Mary McNair Secret Services
Alyx Ray, hair assistant Secret Services
Stephanie Jenkinsmakeup artist
Megan Sniderphotography assistant
Lisa Lilley, Artez Warren, and Gossett Motors for the 2012 Jeep Sahara Wrangler
Courtney Davis for loaning her authentic Ugandan jewelry
photography by Larry Kuzniewski / fashion styling by Augusta Campbell
