From Indian embroidery to tribal totem heels, ethnic-inspired fashion is a buzzword for spring. Designers such as Marc Jacobs and Christopher Kane have tapped into global exotica for their latest collections, looking to places such as India or Africa for inspiration. If you want to join fashion's latest tribe, buy pieces that come in earthy hues or that are embellished with oriental embroidery, fringes or beading. That way you'll look like a chic world traveller rather than a Masai reject.
An ethnic tunic is a great starting point. Lauren (far right) has worn hers tucked into denim shorts with a slim leather belt embellished with bronze rings. I like the way she has matched an ethnic item with a casual every-day piece, while her studded fringe T-strap sandals also add to her tribal-inspired look. Although she describes her style as girly-hippy, she has successfully put together a look that is young and casual, with just the right ethnic touches.
I spotted Emilia (right) partying one evening and, unlike Lauren's casual daywear, she has gone ethnic for the evening with a statement dress. Her dark blue dress is decorated with delicate oriental-inspired embroidery that is ultra-feminine. The flutter sleeves, loose-cut and embroidered hem make the dress even more elegant. To finish it off, she has added a pair of black satin open-toe heels and a cute silk purse with Chinese embroidery to accentuate the Asian flavour of her outfit.
If you're wary of ethnic clothing, a great way to sample the trend is through accessories. We can't all afford Louis Vuitton's fringed and beaded shoes, so instead opt for statement jewellery such as beaded, lacquered or animal-skin print bangles, which are my favourites. Pick wide styles in bold colours and you'll be amazed how fun and versatile they can be. Chunky rings and ornate cuffs are good alternatives. An African headwrap is equally chic, but may require a more adventurous wearer.
Clothing-wise, go for an exotic printed maxi dress, as seen on the runways of Chanel, Salvatore Ferragamo and Roberto Cavalli. Or just dip into the trend with a pair of fun, beaded sandals you can resurrect season after season.
If you want a cool tunic, visit Tabla (Shop M31, Prince's Building, Central, tel: 2525 5590) where I spotted tie-dyed tunics and kaftans with beautiful hand embroidery. The violet exotic print chiffon dress at Kookai (Shop 2346-2347, Gateway Arcade Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2926 3073) is cute and exotic, and the earth-coloured cropped silk vest with beading at Spotmax (LG2-06 tel: 2265-7130, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong) is cool. Zara (Shop 121, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1099) has several heavily embellished wide belts. I also saw a green embroidered cotton sleeveless dress at Anna Sui (Shop 305, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, 2506 9588), which is great for printed dresses.