Well-behaved clothes rarely make history. Forever a bohemian favorite, tie-dye garments reflect individuality and an artistic temperament. A textile art, hand dipped and designed, no two pieces are the same. From isolated starbursts to ombre clouds to waves of light refracting off the ocean, tie-dye patterns itself on forms found in nature—organic Rorschach tests. Renditions range from an azure robe wrapped like a swath of sky on Marisa Berenson
Traditional methods of tie-dye were practiced in India, Japan, and Africa as early as the sixth century. Bandhani, an Indian method, involves tying small pints of thread and dip-dying, resulting in designs featuring small dots. In Shibori, a method that originated in Japan, the dyer wraps fabric around a core of rope or wood and binds it tightly with string or thread. The areas of the fabric that are against the core or under the binding remain un-dyed. Upstate, a small Brooklyn-based label, uses ancient Shibori tactics to dye made-to-order ponchos, scarfs and other separates—all inspired by two young New Yorkers’ desire to escape north, and ideal for layering with minimalist fitted basics. Classic hippie style includes layers of trippy tie-dye, a metaphor for the free spirited ethos of the psychedelic era. Late 60’s artists would customize clothing sold on Haight Street and Portobello Road. Exclusive one-of-a-kind tie-dyed velvet and silk chiffon garments made their way into Diana Vreeland Modern designers are translating tie-dye for bohemian and sophisticated women. Laura and Kate Mulleavy give tie-die a subdued, California grunge touch with Fall 2013 silk dresses washed in acid swirled grey dye. Looks for the red (or rad) carpet. Cerebral style. At Acne, a sea green and white spun wrap skirt is paired with a hyper-structured, asylum reminiscent nude jacket for slightly vulnerable, but overwhelming very tough look. Tory Burch sources cobalt blue tie-dyed fabrics from Guinea and turns them all-American chic with prairie-girl silhouettes and Peter Pan collars. Even Versace, the queen of glam and hyper-polished starlets, interweaves radiant, sunset tie-dyed with heeled gladiators for a bold, festival goddess. From a romantic blouse to a tailored shirt, loose tank or sexy mini, there’s a silhouette for every sort of stylish. I love (my handmade June 2013 |