Now Trending: Meet Some Fine Folk (& Borrow Their Clothes)

by Rhonda Sargent Chambers
on Sep 4, 2014 in f/w 2014

Though the summer sun still shines here in North Texas, we at DFW Style Daily are looking forward. Today, our F/W 2014 Trending series continues with key fashion trends for the season to come. Take note, and you’ll be ahead of the style curve come fall.

Folk-inspired fashions will enjoy a major moment this fall. Vibrant color palettes, intricate craftsmanship, and varying textures are inspired by global culture and history. We will see traditional motifs juxtaposed with modern silhouettes. Layered and luxurious, the look is in the details.

Since man first created homespun cloth, his garments expressed geographic location and point in time. As skills evolved, clothing grew more ornate and symbolic of cultural traditions, family heritage, spiritual beliefs, and societal status.

Today, the folk trend is hallmarked by clever combinations of cross-cultural patterns and fabrics, as well as key embellishments. Layers of bold graphic prints evoke the traditional Kenyan kanga (pictured above); colorful knits may nod to the Hmong women of Vietnam. Of note, famed fashion photographer Mario Testino’s current “Alta Moda” exhibition celebrates traditional Peruvian ceremonial costumes (pictured below). New inspiration is discovered with each spin of the globe.

As fall’s folk tale unfolds, a touch of the trend – a little embroidery, a printed tote – will be a safe bet. Only the brave will wear it head-to-toe, and we look forward to the Instagram snaps when they do so. For now, read on for folk fashion designer runway inspiration, plus two buy-it-now finds.

On The Runway