Tribal Fashion in Everyday Jewelry

The origins of tribal fashion can be attributed to more than 8,000 years of amalgamating ethnic roots and cultural diversity; all united under the common theme of celebrating the human body. Various tribes from Africa, India, and South America all share a characterization of connecting spirituality with its physical vessel, and this can be seen through ornaments, tattoos, clothing, and rituals that glorify physique.

Keeping this ethos for “love of the body” in mind, another unifying theme for clothing within the “tribal” movement is based on elements such as climate conditions and its connectivity to their natural environment.  Established fashion houses have been known to get inspiration from the tribal theme, and collections from these design studios have come to incorporate cultural inspirations from a worldwide selection.

Tribal clothing is mostly associated with “music festival” and “Bohemian” wear. With its bold colors, tribal fashion brings a sense of vibrancy and exotic tones, incorporated to “Western” attires.  Style icons have released lines of jewelry, bags, and clothing with designs infused with bold prints, beads, stones, and dyes.  This goes to show that fashion inspirations can be drawn from anywhere, with aesthetical boundaries simple undergoing a process of deconstruction, infusion, and assimilation.  

Photography by Carlo Cayabyab 

Jewelry by PJ Valenciano

Keeping it real.- PJV