Handmade, tribal and exotic details were spotted on many Spring / Summer 2012 runway shows. Materials and details such as Raffia, geometric prints with a tribal feel, corks, straw, crochet, animal prints, wood, beads, exotic tropical motifs, tie and dye effect and folk inspired embroideries were combined flawlessly with machine made or ultra-refined elements such as glossy leather, metal and plastic for a more urban appeal. You could add an Italian flavor by drawing inspiration from Dolce and Gabbana bags or go for a more crafty tribal feel as seen on Burberry, Donna Karan, Michael Kors and Bottega Veneta. Italian, African, Art Deco or Asian inspired, handmade feel is in. If you are crafty, you could get inspired and put them on your DIY project list.

Mixed materials with a handmade flavor such as rattan, crochet, straw and lace to edgy leather and plastic were used on Dolce and Gabbana’s Spring 2012 bags with playful Italian kitchen inspired charms such as pasta, tomatoes, onions and peppers dangling all over the handles and also used as prints (see pics below). The collection is colorful and whimsical with a tropical mood splash. Do you love it or hate it?

Burberry Prorsum Spring / Summer 2012 shoes, bags, hats and belts were all art and craft inspired. Beautiful woven raffia and colorful beads with refined construction gave the pieces a “handmade meets machine made” feel.

Donna Karan’s shoes, necklace, bangles and bags had a woody tribal inspired feel.

Michael Kors’s collection had a Safari theme with tie dye effects and other tribal details.

Bottega Veneta bags have basket weave details, stain glass effects, tribal geometric prints, patch work and other craft inspired details.

Do you like this trend?  Are you going to try making something from these pictures?  Are you interesting in adopting this trend? Would one to hear your views 🙂

Image Credits: 
Style.com
Vogue.com

“I love classic beauty. It’s an idea of beauty with no standard.”
― Karl Lagerfeld

xx
Heel in Mint