Posted on: Saturday, September 24, 2005
African flava
By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer
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Local designers Rona Bennett and Lan Chung of Fighting Eel are adding African-inspired prints and bright colors to their fall collection. The dress sells for $115 and will be available in November at Rafael, Koko Kabana, Crazy Beautiful, Pineapple County and on Maui at Pink by Nature in Makawao.
Rona Bennett
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African-inspired wood bracelets, beads and headbands are this season’s accessories.
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Cheetah print bag from Kate Spade, made of haircalf, retails for $995.
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Ann Taylor skirt ($78), earrings (Claire's, $3.50), Taryn Rose leopard ballet flats (Neiman Marcus, $385) and Manolo Blahnik haircalf pumps, (Neiman Marcus, $645) are some ideas for creating the African-inspired look for fall.
Product Photos by JOAQUIN SIOPACK | The Honolulu A
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When the entire senior executive team at Neiman Marcus turns up for a meeting wearing a single trend — unplanned and anything but uniform — you know it's a trend that will make it off the runway and into the real world.
That was the scenario last Friday as team members embraced the African vibe and animal prints, with Doug Jago in a snakeskin print jacket, Lucy Chelini accessorizing with a zebra/cheetah/leopard print scarf and Nancy Nagamine in a cashmere sweater combining leopard and floral prints.
For fall, Africa inspired designers worldwide. Now the influence is turning up in Island stores. With prices starting at $5, it's a trend anyone can add to their fall wardrobe.
A word of caution, however: A little goes a long way. Don't overdo. A single piece, paired with a neutral, will work best.
If you're updating your wardrobe this weekend, here are some styles and stores to consider:
Claire's accessories stores are showcasing braided, woven and carved wood headbands in earth tones, as well as strings of beads in wood and faux ivory, meant to be worn en masse.
Local designers Rona Bennett and Lan Chung of Fighting Eel are adding Africa-inspired prints to their holiday collection of slinky dresses.
At Neiman Marcus, the African vibe is everywhere, from those Manolo Blahnik stilettos to a Dana Buchman shrunken blazer, Taryn Rose leopard ballet flats and animal print cocktail dresses from Laundry by Shelli Segal.
Untamed Betsey Johnson walks on the wild side with leopard print mules on carved wood heels.
At Forever 21 in Pearlridge, tribal drums can be heard in accessories, tank tops and tiered earth-toned skirts.
Ferragamo is taking zebra to new heights on sling backs and hand bags. However, they're updating the look with feminine bows on the toes and fur pockets in camel and black.
Emporio Armani offers an edgy take on the trend, embellishing pumps and handbags with an unexpected combination of polka dots, crocodile and fur. For men, Armani combines a leopard print with another hot trend, velvet, in a sexy blazer.
Italian boutique Brio in Ward Centre shows off a provocative snake-look bustier in black and white.
Ann Taylor has safari print scarves, skirts and pumps.
Macy's offers hoops and handbags with wood details.
Reach Paula Rath at prath@honoluluadvertiser.com.
