Would You Wear Navajo Print?

I have to admit, my fall/winter wardrobe is looking pretty drab. I’ve been trying to find a way to brighten up my monochrome closet, preferably with one or two pieces that really make a statement.

That said, over the last few weeks I’ve noticed an emerging trend that’s perfect for what I am searching for, though I find it a bit perplexing. Vivid Navajo and tribal prints seem to be popping up everywhere, but I can’t figure out which is the way to wear it best.

Opening Ceremony is carrying a selection of wool, Navajo print items in unexpected shapes that make them look fresh. I love how the mini-skirt is styled with simple black tights and boots, allowing the color to really pop.

However, photographers such as the Sartorialist and Facehunter snapped the look multiple times during NY Fashion Week. Stylish types like Julia Frakes paired a Navajo jacket with plaids and other bright colors, something that I would never be brave enough to attempt.

Piling on the prints is a daring move, and I’m not sure that many people can successfully pull it off (M.I.A. and Iekeliene are two names that come to mind.) Also, are the acid colors and retro patterns a little too loud for everyday wear?

Before I make the investment, I am in need of some outside opinions. What do you think about the trend and, more importantly, how would you wear it?

posted by guest

Sep 23, 2009 3:02PM

I was looking for this stuff about two years ago and gave up. But its not so different from all the tribal stuff going on now.

posted by CatherineBlairPfander

Sep 23, 2009 3:35PM

I just got a truly fabulous vintage navajo cardigan for ten bucks.

check out pictures!
http://howtoaskartists.blogspot.com/2009/09/thank-you-eric.html

posted by mpw

Sep 23, 2009 4:57PM

My mom has this huge puffy Ralph Lauren navajo print jacket from the 80's. Maybe I should bust that out when it gets colder.

posted by Offended

Sep 23, 2009 5:03PM

When you say "Navajo", is it really Navajo? Or are you just generalizing all Native American prints as "Navajo"? Because I think the Osage and Apache were way better at executing silhouettes for their fierce metrosexual buffalo hunters!!

posted by betsy

Sep 23, 2009 5:31PM

I love the featured skirt from open ceremony, the vest, I would love it as a cardigan or even a cute pair of flats. Call me conservative, but I don't think any real person can rock Navajo and plaid without looking like a Ken Kesey experiment. I do think, though, that it could be cute with a really bright solid, but I feel like it's bold enough on it's own to speak volumes.

Also, and I loathe myself for this, but I kind of don't hate the "Pocahontas at the disco"jewelry that that dreadful woman from Real Housewives made.

Oooh to ramble on a slow Wednesday afternoon...back to work for me

posted by KennyMac

Sep 23, 2009 5:33PM

Well we all better learn how to integrate navajo pieces in our wardrobe because Balmain is using it in their spring 2010 collection and we all know they're major tastemakers these days.

posted by StyleSectionLA

Sep 23, 2009 8:51PM

Yes, we would most def. wear these prints and own a blanket bag purchased at a L.A. Third St. boutique years ago. Awesome Navajo prints can always be found at the Melrose Trading Post flea market held every Sunday in Los Angeles.

http://www.stylesectionla.com

Sep 24, 2009 11:41AM

I looove the jacket in the last picture! And the guy right before that picture also does it very well. You should totally give it a whirl if you're really going to wear the pieces, and take these two photos as a lesson in how to incorporate the prints into a look that is grounded in some of the more neutral pieces you referenced in your article.

posted by PolytheneLucy

Sep 24, 2009 2:28PM

I'd definitely wear that skirt. If the pattern is EXTREMELY ostentatious, I'd balance it out with a black top, a pair of tights, and a solid colored jacket. I'd love to mix patterns, though. Must buy more patterned clothing...

posted by neenersh

Sep 24, 2009 4:12PM

Weird. I am wearing a bright Navajo print right this second. Won't be putting it in storage anytime soon.

Sep 24, 2009 10:25PM

I think it's important to note that it's not simply OC who created these pieces - they were created by Pendelton an amazing American company who has specialized in Native American prints and plaids and become iconic for it. The pieces are beautiful and a great move for Pendelton. I'm dying for the red plaid peplum jacket.