Globe trekking on the Runways

African motifs by Cavalli, Prada and D&G dominate fashions for Spring 2005

For every season, European fashion houses experiment with new themes for their collections - sometimes flashy, sometimes peculiar, but always in keeping with the house's signature style. The fashions of Spring 2005 mark an interesting departure for some of Europe's finest designers. Runways earlier this fall were overflowing with "African-inspired" colours and accessories in the women's collections for next year's ready-to-wear.
Most visible in Dolce & Gabbana's collection is the use of vibrant animal skin prints, often complimented by a shot of purple or red. Keeping with the African theme, there are rows of bangles, and bulky necklaces. Accessories are big and bold and not simply for the many suits and dresses in Dolce & Gabbana's collection, but also for its many denim creations.
Roberto Cavalli's ready-to-wear also draws upon the African trend with leopard prints, but progresses into a more flamboyant use of peasant skirts and bright yellows, clean whites and turquoise accents. Distinctly youthful in its approach, Prada's collection features clean, short lines. Using dark yellows, greys and browns, Spring 2005 brings the same earthy "African" themes to the runway without Dolce & Gabbana's striking colours or Cavalli's bold accessories.
Although not specifically African-inspired, Valentino showcased the same browns, golds and reds in his Spring 2005 collection, although in a clear departure from the vibrant pieces offered by the other houses. Bright tanks with feminine bows, and tan sweaters with large pendant necklaces, show the range of Valentino's design. Bold lines of colour accenting ivory dresses bring added glamour to Valentino's already distinguished designs, and reminiscent of early 1960s everyday women's fashions.
These collections, while designed for the average fashionista, are not a stretch from the various accessories, skirts and boots that many women already have in their wardrobe. What is different is how the animal prints are not overwhelming, but incorporated into the ensemble. Adding snakeskin (in a belt or boots) to the "must-have" fall trench coat is easy. Although a tan trench is considered boring when lined up against bright pinks and blues, it is transformed when added to a line of bangles on each arm.
"African" themes may not be on everyone's mind this coming spring, but the opportunity to add a little bit of what's on Europe's runways is there for the taking.

Publication Date: 2004-10-31
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=4554