If I could point to one pattern that is really making the most impact right now across the worlds of fashion and design, I think I'd have to pick Ikat. According to Wikipedia, Ikat is a style of weaving that uses a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye on the threads before they are woven to create a pattern or design. Ikat is actually the name for both the process and the cloth itself, and either way, Kristen Bell wears it well in the image above. (She's in a Jenni Kayne dress at the premiere of Forgetting Sarah Marshall.)
The look is also huge in interior design right now, and the tribal-influence is showing up as upholstery (above in a fabric from Thibaut) and in home accessories (below in a pillow from Madeline Weinrib Atelier). If you like this look for your own abode, I would head straight to Weinrib or to John Robshaw Textiles for some gorgeous colors and patterns.
Luckily, there's a lot of ways to accessorize this look in your own wardrobe. Because Ikat is associated with ancient cultures worldwide, it's a good way to bring a little bit of flavor to your wardrobe as well as some summer color to your outfits. If you're playing up the ethnic angle, here's a few key pieces that would look perfect with Ikat:
Chloe Medallion Aubrey Bracelet Bag. Black napa leather, silver studs and hanging gold medallions recall the stacked and dripping jewels of African cultures.
Mary Norton Moo Roo Feather evening bag. Feathers are huge right now, and I love the ornate shell detailing.
18-karat yellow gold 4-row Bamboo bracelet. Urban yet organic. Just like Ikat right now.
Images (top to bottom) via Instyle.com, Thibaut, and Madeline Weinrib Atelier
