Marani Redefines “Ethnic”

Italian designer (and former architecture-trainee) Alberto Marani is rethinking the word “ethnic” in terms of fashion inspiration, choosing to forgo the tendency to lump all “different” cultures together into a muddled mess of commodified exoticism.

The re-launch collection for his main Marani line is inspired by photographer Pieter Hugo’s work in documenting hyena tamers in Nigeria; we find this extreme specificity to be so refreshing amid an industry where “ethnic” and “tribal” are buzzwords that don’t seem to mean anything anymore.

We love the movement of the tassels and think it’s absolutely genius how the incredibly strong, almost masculine skirts are paired with simple, beautifully drapey shirts for an extraordinarily contemporary feel.  There is a definite primitive look to the collection, but there are none of the trite gimmicks (generic embroidery, etc.) we’re used to.

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