Why Tie-Dye?



Anthony Vaccarello SS14; Source

Hello, my lovelies. I hope all is well with you. I have been enjoying the mild temperatures here in the U.S. over the past few days but am now getting prepared for the heat to return. I hope all is well with you.

I just read the other day that tie-dye clothing is going to be a top trend this year. It is quite fitting since the 45^th anniversary of Woodstock is coming up soon; however, I think of tie-dye as a perpetual type of print that never really goes anywhere does it? Even when it is not in style it is guaranteed that somewhere in this global world of ours many people will be proudly striding or strolling in their tie-dye garments. 



 

I used to think of tie-dye as the type of fashion technique that was best left for those who were of the more laid-back persuasion. A few years ago, however, my opinion changed dramatically; not because of any difference in the techniques used to create tie-dye clothing but because the tie-dye clothing of today is nothing to laugh at. Come on admit it, isn’t there a part of you that immediately associates tie-dye with the hippie generation of the 60s and 70s? It is yet another trend snagged from the hippie generation like crochet clothing, maxis and fringe anything. I could go on here but what’s the point. I’ll be the first to admit that several years ago there is no way I would have been seen wearing tie-dye anything. Now, I certainly don’t feel that way about it; neither do the fashionistas below whom have shorn themselves in tie-dye apparel over the  past few years.

Jennifer Lawrence; Source

Fergie; Source

Elle McPherson; Source

Olivia Palermo; Source

Sandra Bullock; Source

 

Allesandra Ambrosio; Source


 

 

Miranda Kerr; Source

Modern tie-dye clothing has come a long way, baby. No longer do people immediately chuckle or giggle with laughter at the mere mention of tie-dye clothing. It is really what this technique deserves. I can’t help but respect the history of a technique that was created during the sixth century, became an abiding fashion trend of a movement and has been embraced by a variety of global cultures. There really is no mystery as to the reason so many designers chose the technique to showcase their creations.

 

Anthony Vaccarello SS14; Source

 

 

Michael Kors Resort 2015; Source

 

 

Bottega Veneta Resort 2015; Source

 

 

Fausto Puglisi Resort 2015; Source

 

Alberta Feretti Resort 2015; Source

Gucci Resort 2015; Source

J. W. Anderson Resort 2015; Source

Laura Siegel SS14; Source


 

Laura Siegel SS14; Source

Lindsey Thornburg; Source


 

Lindsey Thornburg; Source

 

Lindsey Thornburg; Source

Lindsey Thornburg; Source

Tie-dye has roots dating back as early as 500-800 A.D. (Peru). Will and Eileen Richardson, artists who made tie-dye pieces that Don Price, a marketer showed to designers and fashion editors., have been given tremendous credit for introducing tie-dye to influencers; however, many countries such as India,  South America, Africa and Japan contributed to the tie-dye movement. Were it not for the unsung artists that had an addiction to the art of tie-dye, perhaps it would not have become the phenomenon that it did during the 60s. Once the late great designer Halston began using the technique in the design of his clothing tie-dye was destined to become one of the most well-known clothing design techniques in history; especially, once the late great Janis Joplin began wearing tie-dye pieces.

Because the history of tie-dye is so rich and vast I believe the only way to truly appreciate it is through plenty of visuals so I hope you enjoy my version of a retrospective of runway tie-dye looks over the last several years.

Proenza Schouler 2009; Source

 

 

Milly 2009; Source

 

 

Milly 2009; Source

 

 

Milly 2009; Source

 

 

Milly 2009; Source

 

 

Milly 2009; Source

 

 

Proenza Schouler 2010; Source

 

 

Blumarine SS10; Source

Blumarine SS10; Source

 

 

Blumarine SS10; Source

 

 

Bottega Veneta Resort 2011; Source

 

Dior Couture AW12; Source

 

 

Dior Couture AW12; Source

 

Isabel Marant SS12; Source

 

 

Michael Kors SS12 RTW; Source

 

 

Michael Kors SS12 RTW; Source

 

 

Versace SS12 RTW; Source

 

 

Versace SS13; Source

 

 

Versace SS13; Source

 

Rodarte AW13; Source

 

Rodarte AW13; Source
 

Tory Burch SS13; Source

 

Tory Burch SS13; Source

I leave you now with a few reasons tie-dye is so enduring and hope you share your thoughts with me on this art technique.

The prints created by the tie-dye technique are eye-catching.

Throughout many centuries, when the popularity of tie-dye clothing has waned in one country it has soared in popularity in another.

The long list of ever growing textiles makes it so very interesting for fashion designers to try the art form on new fabrics.

Tie-dye became a way of expressing one’s artistic individuality. This is certainly true in countries such as the United States; not just during the 60s and 70s but during the Roaring 20s.

Tie-dye is truly not a seasonal trend. Tie-dye looks stay relevant from spring to winter.

Inspired yet? Check out the looks worn by the fashionistas below. Hopefully, if you found yourself, like me, asking a few years ago, "Why tie-dye? You are now asking yourself, "Why not?"

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I want to thank you for reading my blog. I can’t express enough how much it means to me. Please continue to share your comments. I will always welcome them.