We are all aware of the controversy surrounding the theme for the Safer Sex Ball this year, with some stating that the ‘Tribal’ theme is racist and belittling. Â However, the Exeter RAG charity that organises the event has insisted that their choice of theme is meant to promote and celebrate ethnic diversity and equality. If you’re attending the 21st SSB, Her Campus wants to help you look fabulous: without offending anyone in the process. Tribal culture has inspired fashion around the world and we should embrace this as a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. So here is our fool proof guide to working the look for SSB, or rocking it in your everyday life.
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If you’re attending The Safer Sex Ball…
Exeter RAG’s SSB 2012 facebook page states that: “This theme links to haute couture trends 2012. The tribal trend has come of age and the likes of Alexander McQueen and Burberry Prorsum made the 2012 Resort season its graduation ceremony. Ethnic prints, beads and shells were all present to bring the wow factor. You can’t walk through shops at the moment without seeing bright colours and Aztec prints everywhere; we wanted this to be accessible, affordable, inclusive and exciting for everyone. Our vision is to see an explosion of bright colours and patterns at the SSB”
Ethnic and tribal inspired fashion was all over the catwalks of Spring/Summer 2012. Inspired by tradition and sourced from around the world, this trend has been an artistic take on a myriad of cultures. These collections were romanticised adaptations of traditional outfits, with patterns and ideas being borrowed from cultures worldwide then subtly worked into Western garments.
Although the theme if the Safer Sex Ball this year has caused controversy, we have come up with a few ideas that can help those of you who are going to SSB with your outfit (in an inoffensive way of course!) taking inspiration from fashion.
Our idea of a great outfit for SSB 2012 includes an animal or ‘tribal’ print and brown leather pieces accessorised with lots of jewellery. Bangles can be layered up the arm and accompanied with multiple necklaces. You can even go all out and add a headpiece. For the beauty side of things, big backcombed hair would look great accompanied with a strong brown smoky eye. Body paint can be added in tribal patterns to really finish off the look. Whether you’re daring to bare or staying covered up this year, remember to be respectful to other customs and ways of life: be creative and take inspiration from tribes around the world – without insulting or belittling these cultures. For those of you going to SSB have a great time, we cannot wait to see all the outfits!
Get some outfit inspiration here:
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Working the look in Everyday Outfits…
For us girls who weren’t lucky enough to get tickets to the SSB or are not brave enough to bear all for the infamous event, there are still many ways to incorporate the tribal theme into your everyday wardrobe. The Aztec print trend was huge throughout last year and is still hot on the fashion scene this season. Style icons such as Whitney Port, Jessica Alba, Blake Lively and Beyonce have all proven to be huge fans of this trend by styling their outfits with Aztec detailing on dresses, jackets and trousers. There are so many affordable pieces which could vamp up a plain outfit and keep you up to date with the latest trends. As it is coming up to Christmas, an easy and super comfortable way to rock this trend would be by styling a tribal print chunky knit jumper, like the Wwul Aztec Knit Jumper from Asos, with some leggings or dark wash skinny jeans and ankle boots. For a night out with the girls, try pairing a tribal print peplum top with some black skinny jeans and accessorise with wedge ankle booties and a clutch. For the perfect Christmas dinner dress how about this French Connection Aztec Jersey Dress for £35 from Asos.
It’s bang on trend and super affordable! Fashion is not the only way to incorporate these fun tribal and Aztec prints into your style. If you’ve got some time on your hands or you’re looking for the perfect method of procrastination, you could get creative and paint a tribal print on your nails with exciting colours to brighten up these dull and rainy winter days! If you’re struggling to meet those dreadful deadlines or if nail art isn’t your forte, Topshop sells amazing Coral Aztec Nail Wraps by Nail Rock which are so much fun and incredibly easy to apply. Alternately, try googling tribal nail patterns for inspiration.
So whether you’re attending the SSB or not, it should be easy to rock a ‘tribal’ theme in a respectful and tasteful way. With so many affordable choices out there, you can look stylish and sassy without breaking the bank!
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Photo Credits:
Emma Saunders
kendallandkylie.celebuzz.com
asos.com
modelface.me
mandyywongg.blogspot.com