Tribal-Ethnic Style Infusing the Runway and Jute and Jackfruit

Exotic and ethnic trends were very dominant in the spring/summer 2009 runways and all evidence suggests that they are here to stay for seasons to come. From prints to fabrics and jewelry, tribal and ethnic twists are all over the place this season. Prominent designers from Ralph Lauren to Prada and Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy all included an ethnic touch to their summer collection. And trend setters like Anna Sui and Marc Jacob for Louis Vuitton even focused the main theme of their collection on the ethnic trend.

Below are looks from Louis Vuitton’s spring/summer 2009 runway show.

Other ethnic looks from spring/summer 2009 runways (from left to right: Christian Dior, Anna Sui and Celine).

Photosources:  Style.com (Fashion Shows)

As the ethnic trend is growing, there is no surprise that celebrities like Gwen Stefani, Madonna and Beyonce are completely embracing tribal inspired looks in a wide range of contexts.

Photosources above:  Style.com (Fashion Shows)

We here at Jute and Jackfruit also find great inspiration and beauty among the many traditional cultures around the world: from the Maya people in meso-America (Southern Mexico across Central America) to local art, culture and textile innovation in India, Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil and many other countries. In fact, one main reason we started this company is because we saw so much beauty in the designs, artforms and cultures from around the world. We thrive on the fusion between indigenous art and modern, eco-friendly fabrics and materials, while also making a strong investment in the people behind the products.

Our newest ethnic-inspired designer is Sita. Sita launched her debut collection with Jute and Jackfruit (and other fashion-forward, eco-conscious boutiques across the county) this season. Sita’s influences are multi-national: from India, to Indonesia, to US (especially southern California) and even Mexico. Her fabrics reflect this global fusion as well. Made from organic cotton, raw jute, organic cotton voiles, silks and combined with stone, glass and wood beads, her looks and feels are very earthy while also being stylish and sexy.

While we here in Jute and Jackfruit are not about “following the trends”, we find it interesting that the ethnic /tribal look is taking hold with top designers and hitting the runway in large numbers. We are excited that prominent designers are integrating ethnic looks into their collections and especially admire someone like Anna Sui, who clearly takes inspiration from folk and indigenous culture in many of  her designs and color choices. Love what you are doing, Anna!

Other examples at Jute and Jackfruit where ethnic style meets modern look include Indigenous Designs, Guatemala Fusion, and Scarves by Sevya. Our Guatemala Fusion jewelry collection (featured below), adds an easy element of ethnic beauty to any outfit. These pieces of jewelry also help to empower the women artisans who made the jewelry and benefit the preservation of these traditional styles and beadwork:

Photosources above: www.juteandjackfruit.com