I’m love having to include some ethnic flava in my outfits. Be it hats, wallets, shirts, pants, bags etc. I love them all. In fact I’m called King Julien in my uni due to the fact that I always appear looking like an exotic village king. That aside, I find a lot of endearing values in ethnic crafts and design that I appreciate and to see them getting neglected/ overlook due to fast globalisation, just pains my heart. Refashioning of ethnic design is crucial, in order for traditions and culture to stay alive.
One of few designers that I absolutely love is Stella Jean. A relatively new player in the fashion industry but already making waves in Milan and many fashion capitals. Of Haitian origin, the Italian born Jean grew up in a family where multicultural stimuli to art, fashion and beauty were part of everyday life. With her father being a well reputed Rome based high-end jewelry artisan and mother being the epitome of a stylish Italian woman, it was clear that the young Stella was destined to a creative vocation.
Her style can be defined as the epitome of multicultural aestheticism, yet there is far more than this. Jean scores the higher note not only through her bold re-interpretation of wax fabrics. Her fashion offers a remarkable style analysis of modern cosmopolitan elegance; showcasing such ethnic fabrics in a new light that has never been seen before.
In her F/W 2014 show, she has again showed her remarkable creativity in juxtaposing different fabrics and also showcasing many multi-layerd looks mixed with tweeds and plaids. Not forgetting quirky accessories to complement the high octane visual feast of patterns and prints. All in all, vibrant, gorgeous and I want to be the most fashionable village king in history.
Image Source: style.com