Colors of Summer

With the summer solstice upon us, we must have our collections of color ready to reflect the summer sun.  Coral, Turquoise, Cobalt, Gold, Fuchsia, Emerald and Tangerine to name a few, and of course don’t forget the color to reflect them all, White.  Normally I am queen of the neutrals and like most ladies have an array of black options to choose from, but the time to do color is now!  With great tribal patterns and stripes all the trend, color can be added to the mix with your favorite neutrals.

                                                                    Masai Women

When I think of colorful textiles and clothing I think of the Semi-nomadic people of East Africa, the Masai Tribe.  My husband and I traveled to the Masai Mara in Kenya four years ago and had the opportunity to camp there and visit the Masai people.  The use of color in their garments is like no other.  The kanga worn by women are decorated with flowers and patterns in every color imaginable.  They wear layers of beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings.  The men wear clothing known as Shúkà which is a sheet worn wrapped around the body, once over each shoulder, then a third time over the top of them.  Typically they are red but blue, black, striped and checkered are also common.  In a landscape that is covered in neutral shades of nature the Masai rebel against the palette reflecting their dynamic colors within. 

                                                Masai Warriors Jumping Competition

Outfits inspired by the Masia and the Colors of Summer…

         


On the left the Arrow Dress, Magenta Tunic, Lemon and Lime Poncho and Mirage Maxi.  
On the right the Island Landscape Tunic and Skirt, Peacock Blouse, Thunder Sky Maxi and Emerald Layer Blouse and Watercolor Skirt.

On our Safari in the Masai Mara we saw families of elephants, giraffes, zebras, gazelles of many kinds, and even a black rhinoceros.  The most astonishing moment was when we came across a group of male lions feasting on a baby giraffe, with a hyena in the distance waiting for their scraps.  Nature and its’ cycle of life is both tragic and beautiful in the Masai Mara. 

Family of Giraffes in the Masai Mara

To the left male Lions after feasting on a baby giraffe.


To the right a very tired
Black rhinoceros 

                                               A family of elephants in the Masai Mara


Like the Masai tribe, let’s play with color, wrap it around us, layer it and mix it up, to reflect the summer sun.  Wishing everyone a wonderful summer and happy travels!