A Cut Above
Nigerian designer Lisa Folawiyo creates bold, statement-making pieces that incorporate the colorful Ankara prints of her native West Africa. Her Bulbul dress, pictured here, is a brilliant example of how the designer translates traditional fabrics into luxe works of art. Available at Oakland’s McMullen boutique, the exclusive purveyor of Folawiyo’s line in the United States. $1,198, shopmcmullen.com.
Weaving Magic
Influenced by the intricate patterns and colors of the majestic palace in Granada, Spain, these dark aqua Alhambra earrings are constructed from Japanese beads. The line is designed by Mishky, a jewelry company that trains and employs artisan weavers from predominantly low-income communities. Available at Clover in Lafayette. $100, lucklafayette.com.
Prints Charming
Berkeley’s Erica Tanov is known for designing covetable, boho-chic clothing, often made from beautiful prints that she creates herself. Tanov’s effortlessly comfy Floriana dress, which is made in India from 100 percent cotton, showcases her now-classic 1965 print and features butterfly sleeves and a drawstring waist. $294, ericatanov.com.
Fabric of Life
For an item that is truly one of a kind, look no further than this Shibori vest, crafted out of a vintage textile from Mali, West Africa. Handmade in Oakland by Mira Blackman—whose clothing is “designed to minimize waste and honor the life of these beautiful, storied fabrics”—the detailed piece offers style and a lightweight layer. $185, dandelionpost.com.
So Sari
Taking its inspiration from Indian silk saris, this chic acetate bracelet is wrapped with thread and chains and capped with glass cabochons. Available in aqua (shown here), red, or amber, these bracelets look great worn by themselves or stacked as a set, so consider getting more than one. Designed by French jeweler Gas Bijoux; available at Nordstrom. $95, nordstrom.com.
Kick It Up a Notch
Elevate your sneaker game with these hand-embroidered velvet high-tops lined with red leather (bet you never thought you’d see that series of words in an athletic shoe description). Oakland’s Andrea Serrahn draws from India, using traditional, handworked fabrics to create the colorful apparel, jewelry, and home goods in her boutique, Serrahna, located on College Avenue. The Firecat high-tops come in men and women’s sizes. $140, serrahna.com.
More Stories
Confessions of a Design and style Fanatic: Local stylist, designer bear in mind their initial encounters with trend
The 29 Most effective Attractiveness Appears From New York Manner 7 days Road Design
‘In The usa: A Lexicon of Trend:’ What does American vogue suggest in 2021?