Afrocentric Influences

The plains of Africa are often an influence on the designers for their catwalk collections, and 2012 is no different. Traditional references continue to inspire with animal prints seen throughout the collections in flowing gowns and cocktail dresses. Big cat prints are the choice of the animal prints while tribal and traditional prints made the most impact on the runways.

Safari suiting is still a big appeal for designers. Balenicaga brought a modern sense to old designs with safari trousers with a glimmering sheen.

Ethnic and African prints are also making an appearance in the years’ trends with tribal sketches and ethnic beading melting into the modern designs combining ancient techniques and avant-garde ideas. The Edun Label, founded by U2”s Bono and his wife, delivered a Mali inspired collection with hand dying and African inspired prints.

Diane von Furstenberg’s collection focussed more on the core of Africa than the colonial or safari Africa, with fresh prints and funky monochromatic separates while Donna Karan’s models were decked out in full Tribal inspired garments and Proenza Schouler made use of graphic floral prints and clever colour blocking techniques.