You don’t have to be a jet-setter or a globetrotter to embrace the culture and fashion of far off places. This year, global fashion influences are taking over with exotic designs, dramatic color and international inspiration. The 2014 Spring/Summer Fashion Week showcased a mash-up of global style from designers like Alexander McQueen, Valentino and Givenchy. Embrace your inner wanderlust this season with these irresistible worldly fashion trends for spring and summer.
Exotic Prints
A mix of striking textiles with “controlled bursts of femininity” are defining women’s wear this season, as the Swiss Import Promotion Programme Spring/Summer 2014 Fashion Forecast reports. Global inspirations and textures from the East to the West are juxtaposed with clean, sharp lines to create a chic expression of style. In accessories, the ever versatile animal print never goes out of style. This season should find a coveted Coach python print satchel hanging right alongside your collection of designer handbags, clutches and crossbodies. Geometric blends with ethnic flair are also sweeping the trend charts for wedges and printed scarves.
African Everything
Africa is, by far, one of the dominant fashion influences in this year’s fashion design trends. From intricate beaded necklaces to printed tops and Egyptian-inspired sandals, accessories are embracing tribal culture. Silky printed pants are also popular this season. Designs with African mud cloth prints are versatile enough to wear on the street or just lounging at home. Bright, blocked dresses with metal head pieces made a statement of global influence at this year’s Spring/Summer Fashion week, as exquisitely captured in Alexander McQueen’s red and black fringed dress.
Mexico Mod
Styles from south of the border are inspiring this summer’s hottest accessory trends. Woven carryalls, shoes, hammered cuffs and clutches made from natural materials with brightly colored details are require items this season for the fashion conscious. Aztec prints and earthy, terracotta tones create a kaleidoscope effect for dresses, tops and shoes. Sequins and bead work also lend a South American flavor with beautiful beaded coats or this Banana Republic sequined mini skirt featured on Slice.
Caribbean Chic
Lush jungle prints and Caribbean florals are taking over summer styles. The Spring/Summer 2014 Fashion Week in Paris saw a parade of head-turning tropical outfits on the runway. Designers such as Hermès blended island wear and city style in a bold take on traditional vacation attire. Look forward to seeing brightly colored hobos slung across the bodies of the fashionistas of the city.
Desert Retro
Festival fashion is no longer solely spotted at Coachella. Fringe-worthy frocks, gauzy white dresses and Sahara-inspired hats and sandals can be seen among the fashion elite. Tribal prints and earthy, sheer fabrics are perfect for sweltering summer days. Vogue recently featured model Sasha Pivovarova wearing some of this season’s most elegant desert-inspired trends, such as a simple white caftan shirt and a tribal yoked top with a flowing, earth-tone midi skirt.
Inspir-Asian
A kimono jacket is one Asian-inspired item you don’t want to be without this season. A free-form, silky knee-length jacket worn open over a summer dress or high-waisted pants is a breezy summer look making waves among fashionistas. Kimono jackets perfectly marry comfort with exotic Eastern-inspired style. The SIPP Fashion Trend Forecast also predicts Japanese-inspired sandals and platform shoes will play a starring role in summer footwear.