Peace, Love, and Shibori

Largely associated with the sixties hippie movement, tie-dye continues to be popular in present day. While the bold print is a major symbol of hippie fashion, you don’t need to be one to appreciate dyed duds. Brooklyn-based clothing brand Upstate is dedicated to art of dyeing fabric and offers a refined collection of textiles that are unlike the psychedelic prints of the sixties.

Originating in Japan, Shibori is a traditional method of hand dyeing, which was practiced centuries before the hippie movement. Using various techniques with the fabric, such as binding, folding, and compressing, the Shibori approach produces simple yet interesting patterns. Upstate complements Shibori style with their own touches that generate ethereal combinations of pattern and color.

The process of hand dyeing makes it nearly impossible to replicate an identical pattern from piece to piece. However, rather than this being a flaw, it’s a strength since each pattern is unique and results in one-of-a-kind pieces. Each piece is also extremely versatile and can be worn as clothing or an accessory. For example, their selection of sarongs can also be worn as scarves, and their handkerchiefs can be worn as head wraps or “cloth bracelets,” as seen in their spring 2012 collection. Essentially, purchasing one piece can yield many types of wear.

Upstate proves that tie-dye can be subtly chic by offering delicate alternatives to the powerful prints of hippie subculture. Check out their collections here.

Text Jennifer Bernard
Image and Source Upstate

Tie-Dye: No Longer Just a Summer Camp Favorite

Many of you, I’m sure, left your tie-dye wearing days behind you in middle school during that summer you realized you were too old for sleep away camp. I’m also sure none of you thought the ultra hippie pattern would be making a comeback anytime soon. Clearly, you were wrong. No worries, I too missed a telltale sign when my mother purchased a tie-dye t-shirt last summer that I scoffed at. One way or another, the design we have all come to associate with color war and friendship bracelets is back in a big way, having first graced the Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2010 show in the form of a neon green frock. Unlike the tie-dye of our youth, this season’s take on the tween classic is all grown up with a sophisticated and edgy feel that works for both day and night. This slouchy Joie Joann Tie-Dye Linen Top with scoop neck and pocket detail will surely rough up your feminine summer staples and who knows? It might even inspire you to sit around a campfire and tell ghost stories.


By Jessica Best