I just returned from a fantastic, eye-opening trip to the Ivory Coast. The city of Abidjan is surrounded by lagoons that eventually reach the ocean, and the beaches and waves are like none I’ve seen. There are few tourists in Abidjan, and no obvious tourist attractions, so I just allowed myself to sit back and observe the everyday happenings—whether at the market, on the beach, eating at a maqui (open-air restaurant), at the Hotel Ivoire or sitting in traffic surrounded by pedestrians.
Naturally, my eye was drawn to the clothes. Most of the women in Abidjan wear wax cloth sewn into dresses, peplum tops and flared or wrapped skirts. There is an expansive range of shapes and prints, and the colors are always vibrant. What resonated most with me was the particular pairing of striped cotton tops (tanks, tees, polos and hoodies) with printed wax-cloth bottoms. I spotted this styling everywhere, and it made me think of the print mixing that is so prevalent at the moment here. It’s inspired me to open up my closet and see what interesting matches I can put together. What’s your take on the trend?
1. T by Alexander Wang striped pullover 2. Barneys New York raglan sleeves striped sweater 3. M.Patmos mini stripe sweater 4. Barneys New York raglan sleeve striped sweater 5. Comme des Garçons crewneck tee 6. Proenza Schouler striped henley
1. Balenciaga zebra electric pop mini skirt 2. Balenciaga zipper print skirt 3. Sacai paisley pant 4. Barneys New York CO-OP printed pant 5. Vena Cava floral print tulip skirt 6. ICB suiting skirt
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