Spice up your wardrobe with international appeal

Bobbie Thomas TODAY Style Editor

The 2008 spring and summer runways were rich with culture and flooded with fashion influences from every corner of the world. From saris and caftans to batik and ikat, contemporary designers looked to ancient wisdom. Bright, bold designs passed down through generations helped to infuse current collections. Bobbie Thomas, TODAY Style editor and author of the Buzz column for In Touch Weekly, stops by TODAY to offer some inspirations that will give your wardrobe international appeal.

India’s vibrant colors
In a land where spiritual energy and even cities are associated with various shades, vivid colors like hot pink and turquoise rule the fashion roadways. But you don’t have to be in Joudhpur (“The Blue City”) or Jaipur (“The Pink City”) to incorporate these hot hues into your wardrobe; juicy tropical colors are major this spring. Take the look even further by trying out a tie-dye or batik piece. You may associate these techniques with America's hippie era, but they actually hail from India, a region known for its fabulous play on colors. Embellishments and ornate accessories such as bangles or chandelier earrings complete the look and add the obligatory amount of adornment. LottaNYC.com and ShopIndomix.com bring Bollywood to your hood.

(On form: Lotta's signature silk tie-die dress from LottaNYC.com; on model: H & M white tunic $19.90 Hm.com, silk scarf $48 BeadsofParadise.com, bangles $45 ShopIndomix.com, earrings and bag from LottaNYC.com)

Africa’s traditional prints
World news, politics and celebrity attention have shed a recent spotlight on Africa, making it only natural for designers to have this region top of mind while conjuring up inspiration for their runway looks. Animal motifs are now considered classics, and safari chic is becoming a staple in summer collections, but this season's abundance of bold tribal patterns and ikat designs is helping Africa come to life in a whole new way. The region's earthy, rich landscape provides the color palette for these styles, but the range of influence from this region is as vast as the land itself. From a crisp and conservative khaki creation to a wildly exotic outfit, African-inspired pieces are parading across American streets this season in diverse ensembles.

(On form: Diane Von Furstenburg "Cookie" knit dress from Nordstrom.com; bracelets from orkamesica.net; on model: O Oscar de la Renta silk ikat dress $112 Macys.com, Beaded necklace $12.50 Hm.com, heels from Lotta)

Latin America’s embroidery
While the incredibly detailed patterns associated with Latin American fashion have a beautiful romantic allure, the ancient woven designs were originally used to share stories and tell of dreams. Natural, gauzy blouses and dresses trimmed with colorful, complex stitchwork reflect generations of women and their handiwork. Mexican folk art, vibrant textiles and accents such as small, brightly colored Chaquira beads have heavily influenced contemporary accessories, while traditional woven and embossed leather crafts are always considered summer staples. Latin fever is spreading, from John Galliano's recent fiesta-infused resort collection for Christian Dior to Catherine Malandrino's festive spring designs to Old Navy's 'Mexicali' items. Are you next?

(On form: Embroidered dress from Primp, belt from Cynthia Rowley; on model: authentic embroidered blouse $45 ShopIntuition.com, Martin khaki shorts $49 Bananarepublic.com, Leather bag  and woven "Mexico" flats $65-80 shopintuition.com)

Asia’s silhouettes
Asian culture is a source of grace and elegance, exemplified by beautiful silhouettes that are still significant today. Clean, sleek cuts with feminine details are refined yet womanly, and thesimple, soft lines that define their look are strong yet subtle. Couture geisha garments and traditional costumes have been reinterpreted with modern design. The robelike wrap, kimono sleeves, mandarin collars and waist-cinching obi-like belts all dramatically alter the shape and form of the most basic article. The result is an understated sense of style not to be underestimated.

(On form: Dress and "Happy" pink robe from Pearlriver.com; on model: Lady solid red coat top $26 Pearlriver.com, City Linen wide-leg pant $28 NYandCompany.com, necklace from StephenDweck.com)

Greece’s draping and details
Thanks to Aphrodite, Athena, and Greek mythology, Hollywood's red carpets have never been without goddesslike gowns. And today, long fluid frocks have never been more en vogue on America's catwalks and sidewalks. Empire waistlines, one-shoulder necklines and gathered gowns drape today's most fashion forward. Maxi dresses and gladiator sandals are modern-day must-haves, topping the list of this season’s trendiest items. Other heavenly accessories borrowed from the gilded gods include braided rope, coin and leaf details. But for those who didn't have the chance in college, I plead, please reserve the togas for Halloween.

(On form: Rachel Pally dress and Cocobelle metallic studded city sandals from Shopbop.com; on model: Drape top $59 Zara.com, London stretch white jeans $49.50 Victoriassecret.com, Lisa Jackal sandals $135 Indomix.com)

More from TODAY   Music to wrap by: Stars sing Christmas classics  Bird poo facial? 8 craziest beauty trends of the decade A $15,000 clump of hair? Silliest splurges of all time 15 last-minute holiday gifts  | Holiday tips galore Images: Faces of Santa | Where is he? Santa tracker

MORE FROM STYLE BUZZ

Shop for change! Top gifts that give back

Shop for change! Top gifts that give back What would Brangelina give? Stars’ hottest gifts Style 911: Update your weary winter wardrobe Don’t just recycle — ‘upcycle’ your wardrobe! Over 30? Dare to wear bold styles at any age Did French Vogue cross line with blackface photos? Tress a mess? Lather away bad hair day blues Dos & don’ts of dressing for your body type The strange, the stylish and the just plain silly Should there be a law to label retouched photos?   Add Style Buzz headlines to your news reader: