Opposing inspirations and textures combine modern, smooth looks

Of late, there has been heavy focus on tribal and ethnic trends coming out of fashion shows from Milan, Paris, and New York. More than its aesthetics, this recurring reference to ethnic backgrounds has also highlighted various cultural orientations for the world to experience.

In London, one of its beloved fashion brands continues to discover style tribes outside the United Kingdom. For summer 2010, the Paul Smith Jeans collection devotes its younger line to Wes Anderson’s critically-acclaimed film The Darjeeling Limited, which tells the story of three brothers traveling through India to rebuild their family’s relationship. And, with that, we are given the native Manhattan protagonists to juxtapose their city wardrobe with Indian cultural influences.

The result is a beautifully crafted collection that combines opposing inspirations and textures into modern, smooth looks. Prints developed for the line consist of plaids, paisley, and hibiscus patterns in soft pinks, oranges and yellows as to reflect the Indian background. Also, a more genuine print of tribal waves in reds, blues, and purples signify a darker summer palette as well as bleached out checks and pastel stripes.

Easy separates keep the Paul Smith Jeans line perfect for the coming season. Sharp, single-breasted blazers paired with washed denims or khaki shorts topped with a bright dip-dyed gingham shirt spell a relaxed casual look with subtle Indian references. Eggplant trousers with polka-dotted, long-sleeved shirt in powder blue suggest the dynamic attitude to be found in the movie as well.

If you want to style yourself with a subtle rendition of Indian inspiration, then the Paul Smith Jeans collection will surely fit you this summer. Restrained details such as tribal patterns and soft tints give the right hint of exotic Indian to a contemporary, urban wardrobe.

Paul Smith boutiques are located at Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City and Greenbelt 5, Makati City.

E-mail the author at dailyrey@gmail.com.