Mara Hoffman - tribal trends 2012

New York designer Mara Hoffman launched her label in 2000; she uses graphic prints and patterns interlaced with bold colours and flattering, feminine designs. Her collections centre around beach and resort wear including: maxi dresses, play suits and bikinis. Hoffman is said to get her inspiration from nature, world travel and fantasy. The pairing of contemporary prints and dynamic designs creates truly eye-catching pieces that are very covetable.

 Hoffman’s 2012 collections clearly feature tribal and Aztec prints, which are currently on trend and said to grow even more in 2012. The look is contemporary as it uses highly original prints and colour fusions reminiscent of a range of different cultures and locations. 

For example Mexican artist Frida Kahlo inspires the collection shown above. This is evidenced in the dramatic clashing of colour and prints which paired with the models piled up hair, accessorised with woven fabrics, flowers and feathers, creates a striking resemblance to Frida Kahlo.

Hoffman’s designs reflect the current vogue for designers to synthesise fabrics, prints and inspiration from all over the world to create a contemporary and diverse new look.  Other designers are tapping into this trend and tribal prints featured heavily in a lot of spring/summer 2012 collections from designers such as Missoni, Michael Kors, Herve Leger. The look has progressed more from ethnic beads and fringing to braver, more graphic prints.

Missoni     Herve Leger   Michael Kors

In my opinion Mara Hoffman has kick started the tribal trend, which is taking both the 2012 catwalks and current high street shops by storm. This look can easily be introduced into your winter wardrobe with a pair of Aztec print leggings or a tribal patterned chunky knit. These can be found on the high street in Urban Outfitters, Topshop and American Apparel.