Designer Sophie Theallet was inspired by Africa for the Sophie Theallet Spring/Summer 2016 collection. Riddled with exciting animal print and design, this collection is Africa-themed from the first to the last look.
Theallet exploited her key reference by utilizing burlap, raffia textures, snakeskin and cape silhouettes. The French designer made western silhouettes a little more ethnic by making halter necklines mirror the look of African chokers. Theallet was also sure to add feather tiers on dresses as well as footwear.
Though this is a Spring collection, the color palette for the Sophie Theallet Spring/Summer 2016 collection is muted neutral tones with pops of black and white. Fashion fans will also note the smudged black and white prints that are a stylish take on tribal body paint.
Opulent African Attire
The Sophie Theallet Spring/Summer Line Promotes a Vivid African Inspiration
Trend Themes
1. African-inspired Fashion - The use of African prints and design elements in fashion collections is a disruptive innovation opportunity to create unique and culturally diverse clothing lines.
2. Ethnic Silhouettes - Incorporating ethnic silhouettes, such as halter necklines and cape silhouettes, into Western fashion designs provides a disruptive innovation opportunity to create more inclusive and diverse clothing options.
3. Tribal-inspired Prints - Developing stylish interpretations of tribal body paint through smudged black and white prints offers a disruptive innovation opportunity to infuse cultural influences into contemporary fashion designs.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry can explore the African-inspired trend by incorporating prints, design elements, and silhouettes that celebrate and honor diverse cultures, creating a more inclusive and innovative fashion landscape.
2. Textile - The textile industry can take advantage of the demand for African-inspired prints and fabrics by developing new manufacturing techniques and materials that authentically represent African culture and cater to the fashion market's needs.
3. Accessory - The accessory industry can tap into the African-inspired trend by creating jewelry, shoes, and other fashion accessories that complement and enhance the aesthetic of African-inspired fashion collections, providing consumers with complete and cohesive looks.