Ikat is no "NEW" weaving process...it's centuries old. I wanted to alert you to how COOL ikat is when used for everyday garments and sunny-Spring dresses. As you can see above, some still shots of women making ikat fabrics in Indonesia. The process, rigorous and daunting, is a close sister to tie-dye (we've already told you OMBRE is too) but takes on a much different look. Wikipedia definition for all you smarty-pants out there; "A style of weaving that uses a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye on either the warp or weft before the threads are woven to create a pattern or design."
Ok, so enough history/vocabulary lesson...let's move on to the 'goods' at hand; how to wear it? Ikat was all over the Spring 2008 Runway Shows and garnered some serious attention from critics and fashion fans. Pictured below, I have four looks (upper row) from Pollini and then four looks (bottom row) from Oscar de la Renta. Make your own judgement calls, but I'm telling you first hand that when sporting an ikat print, please keep your accessories very, very minimal.
Let the fabric make the statement and let your accessory palette stay subdued. I know, I know...on the Runway they are loud and crazy on some of the looks..."Don't try this at home!" Too much going on in everyday attire leads to a fashion-disaster!
Below, I've included some very minimal speedy-savvy-stylin' as there is little on the market just yet, as far as affordability goes. But i do foresee this being a H-O-T spring trend! So keep your wits about you and know that ikat is a "go-to print" this coming season and buy-up whatever you may stumble upon! Be the FIRST to sport this statement-making tribal print...don't be afraid to let your fierce side out to PLAY, right away!
Pictures from Here and Here and Here
