a taste for tribal

A few days ago, we talked a little bit about the Tribal trend that is sweeping THE WORLD! I don't want to oversaturate you with all this gushing, but the ethnic/tribal trend is really one of my favorites.  In the last few years, it has been getting stronger and stronger, particularly during the warmer seasons, and it looks like it has no plan of stopping!

Another great thing about this trend, apart from the beautiful colors and bold and intricate patterns, and the boost it gives to tribal communities, is that it is so easy to incorporate them into ANY wardrobe. seriously!

There are so many versions out there to suit your needs.  If you're a simple gal, you can go with a big statement piece, or something with subtler tribal hints to dress up your minimalist wardrobe.  In fact, this makes the look stronger and really helps the ethnicity of the piece shine through!

You can also go the "traditional" tribal route, which means layering the prints and colors.  For the longest time, we've always been hesitant to use more than one print in an outfit.  But whenever you see the Ifugaos up in the mountains, or even the Badjaos who are playing on the streets in modern clothes styled according to their taste, the explosion of color is always a pleasant surprise.

Girly? Rocker? Serious, no-frills type?  There's a tribal girl in you, roaring to be unleashed. Roaring, get it? eh, oh well!  The joke may be the lame, but the trend is far from it.  Enjoy!  And watch out for the upcoming Gameng ni Maria collection for summer! it's gonna be H-O-T!!!!

The very first piece from Palamuti's Summer 2011 Collection

Going Tribal

It's official. Tribal is IN again! Hmm, was it ever even out? Unlike gladiator shoes and colored skinny jeans, we can never have too much of the ethnic.  Why is that? Well, perhaps it's because going tribal is simply like returning to our roots.  In other countries, their national costumes are worn everyday.  they have slightly more practical versions of it, yes, but it's still unique to their culture.  Tribal is such a good thing that the Western countries are even adopting this and incorporating it into their dress.

Here in the Philippines, there is an abundant and very diverse selection of fabrics and traditional clothing from all over the provinces.  Our way of dressing is very Western because of the influence of the nations which have colonized us, but as the clamor for a truly Filipino culture grows louder and stronger, so does that for authentic Filipino wares.

What does it mean, to be Filipino? and what does it take for something to receive this kind of label? That might take more blog posts than can be read.  I urge you to consider these questions because these are significant to our cultural recovery.

Going back, of course, just because something is on trend doesn't mean you have to jump on the bandwagon--it only means you have more options!! See, although the above necklaces were manufactured by big fashion houses, even practical Filipinas can proudly wear their own.

Palamuti Gameng ni Maria

Palamuti's PJ Valenciano has come up with yet another collection of delightful statement neckpieces--this time made all the more wonderful by the use of Abel Iloko, a fabric we can proudly call our own.  By going tribal, we are able to not just look good and help support a cherished but endangered industry, we also come closer to developing our sense of Filipino-ness.

So go ahead and unleash the true Filipina in you!  You'll love her!