Taste for Today.: Trendwatch '08--"Tribal" Prints and Looks

A note on the word, "Tribal:"
It seems slightly ridiculous that a lot of fashion magazines and blogs talk about these prints as "tribal." We all know that they're African tribal prints. It's no secret. They're not Mayan, Aztec, or ancient Chinese prints, and they're certainly not Native American tribal prints. So what's the big deal with giving credit where credit is due? It's not like the fashion world has really ever been PC--it doesn't need to be, Art has no commitment to ethics. It seems that in effort to be politically correct, we've further distanced ourselves from the reality that Africa exists (yeah, it's still there, remember AIDS?). Fashion may have no ethical responsibility, but journalists do have a commitment to be accurate and truthful. Let's get our heads in the game, guys.

Anyway. As promised, African Tribal Prints:

Diane Von Furstenberg:

This is a gorgeous dress-

Now tell me this isn't Africa-inspired.

Comme Des Garcons:

--While these looks don't really have African tribal prints, the looks emit a sort of tribal feel

The fabrics, the face makeup, the hair. Also, Comme Des Garcons is just great.

Proenza Schouler:

Oscar De La Renta--By far the most sophisticated use of African prints--prints made chic by cut and overall look (look at those bangles!). Also, as far as sack dresses go, this one's a keeper.