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.

Plaid for Spring? Sure! Why not? At least, that's the message designer Frida Giannini was giving us with her Spring 2008 collection for Gucci. Gianni proved that plaids, typically reserved for chilly fall and winter seasons, can be fresh and unexpected when the temperatures turn upwards, too. Try the look with these plaid pants from Forever 21 and you'll be tiptoeing through the tulips in tartan.


Left: A look from the Spring 2008 Gucci runway. Image source: Style.com
Right: Forever 21 Flared Plaid Trousers, $24.80

In her Style.com runway review, writer Nicole Phelps pinpoints the theme of the Spring 2008 Marc by Marc Jacobs runway show by calling it "Pan Am stewardesses, by way of Mary Tyler Moore." To illustrate her point (because she's spot on), we offer the look on the left as well as its budget fashion doppelgänger on the right. Oh, and this assessment: Both are so ugly, they're cute!



Left: A look from the Spring 2008 Marc by Marc Jacobs runway. Image source: Style.com
Right: Forever 21 Jessica Satin Tunic, $29.80

Leave it to Chanel to pair wide-leg stonewashed jeans with a matching denim bathing suit and generous helping of pearls - and actually make it work. Sort of. On second thought, we're not quite sure about this head-to-toe denim ensemble, but we're willing to at least give the pants a go with Forever 21's Stacy flare jean. Just don't expect us to give up our dark-wash skinnies any time soon.



Left: A look from the Chanel 2008 runway. Image Source: Style.com
Right: Forever 21 Stacy Flare Jean, $34.80. Five pocket, flared wide-leg jean with oversized button and zipper fly.

Courtesy Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel's Spring 2008 runway was a veritable parade of stars and stripes and all things Americana. Pay tribute to the red, white and blue in your own version of Old Glory-chic with Forever 21's navy and white wide-stripe blazer. Not feeling the Fourth of July vibe? Rock the jacket with Spring's equally hot nautical trend.



Left: A look from the Chanel Spring 2008 runway. Image source: Style.com
Right: Forever 21 Wide Stripe Blazer, $24.80. 3/4 sleeve wide stripe blazer with single hook and eye closure. Features lined welt pockets, back buckle tab.