TRIBAL CHIC

This summer, it’s all about being proud to be British, with the Jubilee celebrations, the football matches and the Olympics. But if you find yourself dreaming of sunnier climates as our typically British weather fails us, look to Tribal patterns to bring a touch of Africa into your wardrobe. With patterns ranging from Aztec prints to Zebra patterns, the look is all about bright colours, and taking a walk on the wilder side of life.

The celeb world is full of Tribal warriors, from Jessica Alba rocking a monochrome pair of Aztec cigarette trousers on the red carpet, to Bar Refaeli, who stepped out in a stunning golden tribal print dress at last year’s met ball. A tribe in themselves, the celebs know the best way to work those tribal hues is in bright colours, bold prints and eye-catching patterns - not a look for the faint hearted. The catwalks for Spring/Summer 2012 have also embraced their tribal roots, with Holly Fulton using clashing animal prints and colourful patterns to make us feel as though we’re on safari! Burberry proved the power of embellishments and accessories in their summer collection, using symmetrical coloured triangle embellishments to add life to brightly coloured garments, combined with high heel shoes complete with bead work and textured animal print bags to create a globe-trotter feel to the outfit (if only the round-the-world trip was included!). Hervé Leger stuck to the classic body con shape but mixed it up with exotic prints, metallics and symmetrical patterns to create a look that makes us want to board the first plane abroad!

Luckily the Tribal look isn’t just restricted to those in a tribe, so whether you fancy throwing on a set of brightly coloured beaded necklace, or want to go the whole way with a tribal onsie a la Nicola Roberts (best left at home, in my opinion!), there’s a tribal style for you. A floaty Aztec maxi is a great way to wow at a hot summer’s wedding without stealing the bride’s thunder, whilst a tribal body con in the style of body-con expert Hervé Leger is a great twist on the regular LBD you and all your friends normally wear on a night out. It’s certainly one way to catch that cute guy’s eye on the dance floor! Come rain or shine, tribal patterns are the perfect festival wear. A pair of faded denim tribal hot-pants is an easy way to work the trend, or for extra style points look out for an Aztec play-suit, just make sure you’ve got a friend handy to un-zip you for those toilet runs (or long arms!).

If you’re looking to embrace the Tribal trend whilst still looking glamorous, our Mini Tan Handbag In The Style of Hermes Birkin with Long Shoulder Strap is a fantastic way to look as if you’re off globe-trotting, with its snakeskin detailing, available for the mini price of £21.00! To keep the tribal look consistent, accessorise your outfit with browns and golds; for a piece of great arm candy check out our fab bangles and bracelets: Chunky Bold Over-Sized Bangle (£2.99), Tribal Style Wooden Wrist Cuff/Bracelet (£3.99) or Over-Sized Chunky Block Design Bangle (£2.99).

Whether you’re planning on spending your summer trotting the globe or watching the Olympics in your local, tribal prints are an easy way to stand out from the crowd, and be stylish, colourful and quirky. Well, if it’s good enough for Rihanna…

By Meg Dixon - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.

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