Trend Alert: African Prints
June 17, 2008 @ 9:07 am
Written by The Fashionable Housewife
African and tribal styled prints are a hot summer trend. Hard to find at affordable prices, but well worth the search!
These fun prints are a great way to add a pop to your wardrobe, especially if you are wary of Florals. It adds a bit of earthy boho-type flair without being too “on safari”.
Look for organic materials like cotton and silk. If you’re afraid of wearing prints, try some Tribal Inspired Accessories like this Short Wood Illusion Necklace or this really pretty Long Brown and Ivory Bauble Necklace.
Banana Republic also has some really fun tribal-inspired pieces you should check out.
We love the African style print on this cute dress from BR. (Pictured to the left) It’s a hefty $150, but very cute! It would look really good with the The Dior Extreme Knock-offs by SteveMadden.com – $109
In our travels, we also spotted this neat Printed Maxi Tube Dress from Old Navy.. It was $34.50, but is on sale right now for $14.99!
Here’s a few more hot finds:
What: Printed caftan dress
A free-flowing fashionista. Tie front. Long sleeves. Imported cotton voile. Perfect for spring, summer, AND fall!!
Price: $79
Where: VictoriasSecret.com
What: Bead-trim dress
Beautiful Batik-inspired print dress with wood bead trim at the neckline. Fitted bodice, A-line skirt, adjustable straps.
Price: $39
Where: NewportNews.com
What:
Karina Grimaldi Isabella Silk Mini Dress
Expensive, we know. But this Isabella Silk Mini in Theodora Black and Ivory is a seductive turtleneck dress that has wide draping sleeves and a fitted band at the bottom that is sure to flatter any body type!
Price: $284
Where: CoutureCandy.com
About the Author: The Fashionable Housewife
These are really great picks, thank you!
The most exclusive African Prints is the Véritable Hollandais from Vlisco in Holland (!). This label is omni-present in Africa and famous for its design signature and vibrant colours. Vlisco offers different theme Collections throughout the year. The website incl online shop is at http://www.vlisco.com
My sister used to bring back batiks from The Gambia from her stay at the University and from her time there as a guest. Surprising thing is that most of these fabrics were dyed in the Netherlands and then brought to Africa and from there she could purchase them there for less than 10 dollars. If you have a connection to Africa use it!
Kenneth Jay Lane has some great tribal-inspired accessories I saw on BestOfShopTV.com.
I love this look. I always tell my mom to wear prints but I am really getting sick of the most recent florals. I think this is a great look for all ages but these prints in a wrap dress really look good for women in thier mid 30s to early 40s.
A quick reaction to The Baltimore Babe’s comment: I doubt the prints you refer to are printed in the Netherlands. In any case they are, for sure, not genuine VLISCO prints.