Kevan Hall brings a bright twist to Dark Continent with Spring 2008

By Karen Ostlund

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) Kevan Hall, one of the top designers on the Fashion Week circuit, calls his Spring 2008 collection “Africa- A Safari” and its indeed a journey. The line is a trek through some of the most stunning parts of Africa and is steeped in the beautiful people and culture.

There are colors and material were influenced from individualistic tribes like the Dinka, Maasai and Zulu to the animals themselves such as antelopes and zebras.

The fabrics are designed by artisans in Africa and you see it in pret-a-porter style tattoo matelasse safari jackets, tailored vests and embroidered dashikis, as well as in Kalahari printed silk chiffon gowns.

The famous Maasai tribes of the Serengeti plains set the tone for next season of colors. If Hall has his way, we will see the trademark deep reds the tribe in magazines and red carpets. However, the tribe never will see the magazine shots they inspired – they don’t even let themselves be photographed as they believe the camera steals part of their soul. For the tourists in Kenya, they rotate which members are photographed to earn a little cash for the tribe, so too much of a soul is never stolen.

They would likely perceive those fashion magazines as a graveyard of lost souls. And they would have that right.

The proud Massai warriors also influence the turquoise, amber and jade, while its clear what behind the vibrant zebra and leopard print, accented with sand tones of gold, alabaster and sky blue.

Hall was very pleased showing off the authentic jewelry of the Maasai tribe at this runway show-one of the few African tribes that retain their ancient customs of jewelry fabrication.

Photography by Lalie Katavazi