Tribal trends for Spring 2008 from Oscar de la Renta, Pollini, and Just Cavalli. Image source: Style.com


Ethnic-inspired prints added depth and colorful sophistication to many a designer's Spring 2008 collection. Tribal Africa made its presence known at Just Cavalli, accented by feather and bead flourishes. Oscar de la Renta played with more traditional kente-esque fabrics, perhaps the best known of all African textiles, identified by its multicolored patterns, geometric shapes and bold designs. At Pollini, inspiration came from abstract Asian ikats. Since these tribal prints are already on loan from various cultures around the globe, expect them to percolate throughout all strata of planet fashion without litigious reproach come Spring.