Unlikely Prints

I've been attracted to Rodarte for a long time, and always seem to be engulfed while watching videos or looking at the images of their work.

Wood grain, Spring 2011, for a fabric print shocked, but intrigued me to want to see more.

The cornfields print is such an eerie, dream like idea, and the way it is used in this collection amazes me. I would love to own the grey gown in the Fall 2011 collection. It is so beautiful.

Of course, we cannot forget the knitwear ;) Rodarte really brings women back to the main elements of design in fashion, simply by the expression of the art, and strangely brings us back to our roots.

Society of Dyers and Colourists Winner

Fabric design and dying techniques have always intrigued me, such as how manufacturers get those patterns to form so nicely on the luxury fabric we like to wear. It all starts with an artist a wonderful eye for color, and

passion.

The winner of the Society of Dyers and Colourists’ (SDC) International Design Competition’s UK heat is Kelly Taylor, a 23-year old textile design student studying at De Montfort University in Leicester.

This year, the students had been asked to demonstrate socially responsible thinking in their approach to their original design or written statement which accompanies the submission and explains the designer’s inspiration or theme behind their piece. Kelly Taylor’s winning piece entitled ‘Chain mail and floral filigrees’ was inspired by the ornate embroidered material worn beneath ancient oriental armour. The collection was deemed by the judges the most innovative and creative of all the entries, showing Kelly’s understanding of social responsibility and the issues which surround the fashion and textiles industry today.

She will now go on to compete against winners from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Pakistan, Singapore and South Africa at the grand final which will be held in London on October 5, 2010 at the Historical Clothworkers’ Hall. The global winner will be presented with their award by leading retail investor, entrepreneur and chair of the British Fashion Council, Harold Tillman.

“I was influenced by the pattern, texture and colour of worn ancient oriental armour and combined a variety of fabric weights, textures and techniques to create the collection. Bold pink and reds accent the soft light greys and peaches creating a sophisticated colour palette throughout the textile design work. I used digital printing on the fabrics as it is a much more eco-friendly way of printing, unlike screen-printing which uses harsh chemicals that can lead to air and water pollution. This method of transfer printing is fast becoming a popular technique for the textile and fashion industry. As well as printing I used hand embroidery and knitted fabrics which were then laser cut and foiled to produce samples inspired by metallic textures which represented the chain mail material of the original armour. Although the collection was originally designed for the contemporary fashion market – the project has now evolved and the subtle colour palette would work well in interior design fabrics as well.” - Kelly Taylor

" I am very thankful to the SDC and the judges for giving me the opportunity to move forward to the grand final of the competition.” - Kelly Taylor

Further information:

Clothworkers' Company

The Worshipful Company of Dyers

Stay Safe this coming Spring and Summer

Skin cancer is prevailant in the United States, and sadly, many people die from it each year. The best thing you can do is protect your skin with sunscreens ranging from SPF 15 or higher, and using broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection products.

"SunSoul sun-protective clothing achieves a 50+ Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) with a proprietary fabric that is extremely light-weight, breathable and durable. However unlike any other sun protection apparel line, SunSoul also uses the application of advanced fluorescent technology to offer safe and effective natural solutions to refine skin tone and texture as well as prevent sun-damage and blemishes."

"SunSoul blumöd is the newest activewear for all seasons that uses fluorescent compounds in the fabric to convert UV into beneficial blue light. Wearing the blumöd clothing in the sun only a few hours a week can improve the appearance of blemished, damaged skin."

"Those concerned with premature aging of the skin and who are dealing with thinning or thickening of the skin and "sun spots" are ideal candidates for SunSoul yelomöd. SunSoul's yelomöd transmits infrared light to the skin to help improve skin tone and texture."

Find these products and learn more at SunSoul.com

Cool Cotton

Mademoiselle Tassel Scarf in Soft Cream

Get 10% off your order at blonde birde, with offer code BBL09. (offer code was found on the Busy Bee Lifestyle website)

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These fabrics are somewhat expensive, but it is worth it if you want something really unique to design with.

Multi Inked cotton print

FC3300 Beige Floral Lace

Pretty Penny Designs - Unique Chokers

Red Vintage Silk Covered Beads Choker
Pink Silk Ruffles Necklace

Pretty Penny Designs is "a jewelry store that brings you brand new vintage jewelry hand crafted by the designer. She uses non-traditional materials such as vintage fabrics, re-purposed buttons, antique lace, tie silk and reclaimed leather. Each piece of this beautiful handmade jewelry will come ready for gift giving in a colorful box with a ribbon."

Also, check out the designers inspiring and fun blog, for great information and tips:

The Pretty Penny

Pretty (not prissy) Pintucks

Embroidered pintuck dress, by Free People. This cute dress is available in four colors. You would be surprised by how hard it is to find clothing with pintuck details on them. Searching online for this design element takes ages.

A pintuck is a certain technique used to make pretty effects with folding and sewing of fabric.

Tweed in the Twenty-First Century

Today is the first of a series of a few short articles consisting of interesting information about different fabrics. If you would like to read about a certain fabric, fiber or textile, please let me know.

When I think of tweed, one designer automatically comes to mind: Chanel. I'm sure you thought the same thing.

Chanel, Spring 2009 Ready to Wear via Style.com.

Note the stunning pink knitted cardigan and sweater top.

Buying tweed should be fun, and in a way enlightening due to the fact that there are so many different colors and varieties. You can find almost any type of garment in tweed, from coats, to skirts. Try to find tweed that is lined to prolong the wear of the piece.

Floral Tweed Dress at Neiman Marcus

Wearing tweed is even more fun than buying it. It adds texture and dimension to any ensemble. It is perfect for layering and warmth.

Caring for tweed is more simple than you think. First off, take care to read the label on the garment carefully. If your garment is made of wool, as tweed usually is, take extreme caution when exposing it to moisture and heat. Read more on the care of tweed on essortment.com

Tweed cropped jacket at Arden B.

Tweed is sold at retail at all price ranges, so you are sure to find something that you can afford. Searching online is also very helpful, especially if you want a tweed jacket in the middle of summer.

The best of both worlds: a knitted tweed cardigan by Diane von Furstenberg. This can be worn with or without a belt.

Ankar Pocket Squares

Men need to play more (much more) with their accessories. The more selection they have in their wardrobe, the better. Surprise your man with one of these amazing pocket squares by Ankar. Ankar carries quality pocket squares in luxurious linen and silk fabrics, made in Italy.

How to Wear Lace, according to Times Online

Times Online recently published an article about how to wear one of the most sought after trends of the season, lace. Even though it is a "trend" now, it has always been in fashion design, and in style.

SunBanditz Batik Headbands

Orchid Gold, Fall 2008 Collection

After wearing ill fitting plastic headbands for hours, you might feel pain and discomfort, as I usually do. Face it, those typical hair accessories may look cute on the rack, but are not fun to wear because they hurt, or don't hold your hair away from your face like you would excpect. SunBanditz headbands are unique because they are made with stunning jewel toned batik fabrics that are so alluring and fresh. They show up perfectly on all shades of hair and skin. They are available in custom sizes and are designed with contours in mind.

Stylish Mode Headbands and Accessories

Stylish Mode's handmade headbands are durable, with heavy and thick fabric and sturdy stitching. This product will last. They keep my hair back as well. They really hug my head and I don't have to worry about my hair falling back in my face. One of the very unique things about Stylish Mode is that the company offers custom sizing, which is perfect because no two heads are the same. This is a sure way to make sure your money is well spent.

Stylish Mode also offers a variety of purses and accessories, all created with expert attention to detail.

Breezy Fabric Choices

Dresses from left to right: 3.1 Phillip Lim silk pleated sleeveless dress, Eco Skin bamboo blend dress, and Rick Owens silk dress.

Accessories from left to right: Twisted Orchid bamboo tote, Gucci bamboo pumps, Christian Louboutin linen and crocodile pumps, and Raw Bags bamboo clutch.

I love how cool linen feels but hate the way it wrinkles. Cotton is always my perfect solution. Bamboo is also another perfect choice and is great for the environment. Silk feels amazing on the skin.

India Inspired: Exotic Textiles

(Click on image to enlarge)

Find these exotically fabulous textiles, and more designs, at Exotic India and The Textile Museum.

Explore beautiful antique Indian textile images at TextileAsArt. See Indian textile history here.