Tribal Accessories

Spring/Summer trends of 2011 led to an explosion of tribal influence in pattern and accessories in the fashion world. All of a sudden, bold accessories in the form of cuffs and chokers using materials such a rough coloured metal, rope, bead work and feathers were everywhere. Below is a moodboard I have created to look at tribal jewellery both in other cultures and how it has been interpreted for modern fashion.

I was particularly excited by this trend so I have included some images of my own jewellery that I believe suits this theme. By doing this I can begin to think about how I would like to accessorise my final look.

Bone bangle, examples of bead work and silver bangle with fish skeleton design - this is one of my favourites, love the use of natural pattern design.

I would love to include the use of natural stone in accessories such as this  necklace from Accessorize.

Last year I loved the one-feather-earring look and here are a couple from my collection. I particularly like the pheasant feather and think this could work well in the hair also.

Starting from top to bottom these necklaces are purchases from Acessorize, Dorothy Perkins and The Vintage Jewellery Store. Chokers ofter have a tribal feel to me. Weather singular or layered I think they can give a really elegant edge to any look.

These anklets are both purchases made during my travels to India. 

Given to me by my Grandmother, this necklace is a fine example of Native North American bead work.

A purchase of mine from H&M last year, the top section of these earrings are enamel-like and the lower section is a panel of leather. I love the mix up of texture and they are a nice modern take on tribal influence, as well as managing to look sort of vintage at the same time!

The small droplet earrings are handmade by a friend of mine, using enamel. Her influences were design within nature and their rustic quality would lend itself nicely to a tribal look. The second pair are from Topshop and consist of strips of leather and metal. They are very long, touching my shoulders when I wear them.

These are both very recent purchases of mine as bold gold jewellery is a firm favourite at the moment. The circular discs remind me of a more dramatic version of delicate indian metal work, whilst the square, textured hoops look like bamboo that has dipped into gold.