This spring and summer, it’s time to look beyond main street for your new fashion inspiration – far, far beyond. As the catwalks prepared for summer, Africa was the clear starting point for the fringing and feathers at Alexander McQueen – and for Givenchy’s lush decorated tunics and Junya Watanabe’s wild jungle girls. Other designers evoked the exotic in more subtle ways. Valentino blended romantic lace maxi dresses with Aztec accessories for an edgy royal aura; designer Custo Dalmau was filled with happiness, tribal prints, and stunning embroidery. Sheer blouses, Aztec printed one pieces and shimmering rose-gold tops all featured heavily, the decadence of the metallics and bright jewels beautiful contrasting with the earthiness of the tribal patterns.

This tribal trend has had many incarnations over past seasons, as its defining features can be reworked and remixed through your wardrobe across the year. Glamorous maxi dresses, bold jewellery, striking prints all feature heavily. This season it’s about elevating the exotic into something daring and unique.

Clashing and contrasting is always a bold choice when it comes to big patterns. Still, be sure to keep it on the right side of bold. Team extreme prints with figure-hugging monochrome pieces to both add edge and show off your curves. Maxi dresses can subtlely evoke a tribal look while maintaining a simple, sophisticated silhouette. However, fashion favours the formidable when it comes to piling on the accessories. Don’t be afraid to play with eccentric touches like metallic harnesses, dramatic hair-pieces and striking collars.

Unique pieces like feathered ear cuffs or jewelled headdresses will ensure your look is unique, and lend some inspired eccentricity to your ensemble. This trend will cross over into summer fashion, so keep your eyes peeled for pieces that may be more suited to warmer weather. River Island’s High Summer collection, in particular, promises to be fantastic, featuring dramatic accessories like feathered headpieces – just in time for festival season.