PEACE, BABY

After getting my Thakoon dress from Target, I really started noticing how much tie-dye is out there -- often under different names ("Shibori", "Ombre", etc.), but still a variation of age-old fabric dyeing techniques found all over the world. "Batik" is another such technique, though a bit different as it involves the use of wax. "Ikat" is yet another variation, though it's also a weaving techique.

Whatever it's called, I love it all! Fabric dyeing is part of the artistic heritage of many Asian countries, including my homeland of Sri Lanka, and also Indonesia, Thailand, India, Japan, etc. It's a very respected craft, not a holdover from the hippie era as it's often thought of here in the U.S. The colors used are usually more subdued (indigo, browns, burgundy, etc., are favored) than the cheery neons you find in tie-dyed t-shirts in America.

However, this is changing, as more bright and pastel colors are being incorporated into traditional dyeing techniques. This makes for some gorgeous garments! In Sri Lanka, one of the best design houses for clothes like this is Buddhi Batiks. Their styles are wonderful! I particularly love their saris and swimsuit coverups (the latter can also be worn as tops). Here's one of my favorites:


(from: The Sunday Observer, Sri Lanka)

Tie-dyed fashions are now found everywhere, most notably in Thakoon Panichgul's collections but also in all kinds of shops, from high-end to the high street! Among my favorites:

This amazing dress by Anna Sui, at Nordstrom


This cutie-pie Merona dress, available at both Target and Amazon


This dreamy ombre eyelet blouse from Style & Co., at Macy's

I have an I.N.C. blouse very much like this, in the same blues, and it's one of my favorites! The colors remind me of how the sky meets the ocean at the horizon of a tropical lagoon.


This elegant ombre evening gown by Marc Bouwer GlamIt!, available on sale at Bluefly

Of course, if you want to go all-out with the Peace/Love/Hippie thang, then this (on clearance at Target) is a fab choice:



I love the soft, watercolor-effect design and muted hues. Pair it with faded denim (jeans are the "traditional" choice, but a jeans-skirt would be more unique and interesting). Don't forget the Love Beads!

All joking aside, I'm ecstatic that fabric dyeing techniques have made it into the fashion mainstream, and are now given the respect they deserve. I absolutely adore tie-dye, and hope it's around for a long, long time to come!