Vogue Russia (May 2011)
Just yesterday a reader posted a great question in regards to the Theodora & Callum and Stuart Weitzman collaboration: “What happens when tribal patterns go out of style?” It’s definitely a valid concern when it comes seasonal shopping which can be a gamble of sorts. Many struggle with a dilemma of investing in so-called trends, only to have them go, in Karl Lagerfeld’s words, démodé in just a couple of months. 

Wilfred ‘Emmanuelle’ dress ($155 CAD at Aritzia);
Madewell ‘Electric Ikat’ dress ($145 US at Madewell and Shopbop);
Anthropologie ‘Brilliant Chaos’ dress ($198 US at Athropologie)


While tribal is enjoying an incredible moment right now, it is not a seasonal trend but a print that can be just as classic as a great floral. The word “trend” gives off an idea of transience which is not always the case. “Trend” simply means something is “hot” at the moment, but doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to go out of style at any second.

Marc by Marc Jacobs silk dress ($280 US at Net-a-Porter and $315 CAD at Holt Renfrew);
L.A.M.B sleeveless dress ($361 CAD at Shopbop);
Zero + Maria Cornejo ‘Zazi’ dress ($730 US at Net-a-Porter)
With the tribal/ikat scenario, there are designers that are constantly working with this theme: Rodarte, DVF, Dries Van Noten, just to name a few. So as long as we are not talking tribal plus harem pant or tribal plus fannypack, we can carry our tribal garments season after season.
H&M maxi dress ($55.95 CAD at H&M);
Joie ikat maxi dress ($385 CAD at Holt Renfrew);
Zimmerman ‘Labyrinth’ maxi dress ($450 US at Net-a-Porter)
Plus, how gorgeous are these dresses? Don’t you just want to wear them all the time? Yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Research provided by my Editorial Intern Shakeira MacLean. In fact, she selected 7/9 of these dresses!