Contextualisation, Ikat fashion

From my recent market research in London, I noticed a wealth of inspiration from Ikat weaves visible across products in a broad range of shops. Osborne and Little had a collection of purple and gold Ikat inspired furnishings, whilst Anthropolgie stocked some exquisite Ikat patterned garments.

This simple shift dress has an Aztec vibe, woven in earthy Middle Eastern colours. A pull-over simplistic style and off-set design uses the iconic Ikat as a fashion statement; Anthroplogie's style team commented 'we love the bright geometric design and how it's placed impactfully off-centre' (anthroplogie.com, 08/02/2012). Ikat weave complements Anthropologie's bohemian aesthetic, and celebrates a largely female dominated weaving culture with all women across the globe. Anthroplogie have created a brand appreciating 'innovation, artfulness and good design' (anthropologie.com); which this ikat shift dress wholly represents.This dress was created as a collaboration with UK scarf designer Alison Lousada of Lousada Heyhoe.

Askew Ikat Shift,
Anthropologie

                          Askew Ikat shift dress, Anthroplogie

This dress was created as a collaboration with UK scarf designer Alison Lousada of Lousada Heyhoe.

Alison Lousada graduated form Brighton, and works as a print designer using traditional Ikat patterns. Lousada's scarves are inventive in colour, pattern and design; whilst combining her research in traditional textile cultures from her travels. 'Style Bubble' commented on the Lousada Heyhoe studio collection, 'we headed up to her loft-space studio where her accumulation of books, inspiration images and textiles go some way in explaining the unique mix which culminates in her work.  These artefacts travel around the world, through different cultures, artistic/craft-based techniques and all the references come together along with her own take on colour combinations, which she describes as ‘odd’ but to me are instant eye-candy. (Stylebubble.co.uk, November 2010). 

Images of Lousada's studio. Alison uses informative textile books alongside books, magazine clippings, fabric samples, childrens drawings, holiday photos and postcards to collate ideas and strengthen her design.

Alison combines freehand designing with digital programmes, this illustration could later be scanned and developed into Illustrator.

Lousada Heyhoe scarf,
www.offtherunway.com

                                                

Bibliography:

Anthropologie.com

Lousadaheyhoe.com

Offtherunway.com

Stylebubble.com