I was paging through a recent issue of ELLE magazine when I stopped on the "Elle Shops" section. It seems the monthly spread devoted to what to buy where has come down with a serious case of "ethnic" fever. No doubt this is a calculated move to answer the call of the confused fashionista who wants desperately to go native but is too afraid to open their purse in front of the brown skinned vendor. Thankfully, ELLE makes it simple. Under headings like "Desert Heat," "Latin Class," 'Zen Garden" and "Big Sky," are dozens of dresses, shoes and accessories by top designers that will help the reader mimick what those trendy natives are wearing without fear of being ostracized for not having the right label on the inside of the garment. Are you a fashion tourist in search of one of those trendy kente cloth bikinis but want to retain the ability to hail a cab? No problem, for $163 you can order one from Red Carter. If the Native American look is what you are after but you've heard that Indians are extinct fear not, because Emilio Pucci offers a beaded suede vest for a mere $2,765. Want to look like a Gauguin girl but need vanity sizing? Pick up DVF's floral gown for $425. Lastly, to reassure readers that these are styles that can be pulled off easily by the majority, the accompanying photos in the layouts only feature white skinned models to legitimize the style you crave. Happy shopping!
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