Tie-dye, batik and now ikat. But don’t be deceived. Ikat is nothing new. In fact, ikat printing has been practiced for centuries in countries such as Indonesia and India. The term comes from the Malaysian saying “mangikat†which means to bind, knot or wind around. Different regions are known for specific designs in animal prints and flowers.
Another term for the ikat technique is resist dying. Basically, the technique includes wrapping and dying sections of yarn to make a pattern. Wax and clay are used to prevent the dye from penetrating specific areas to help create the motif. The yarn is then woven into beautifully colourful and thematic fabrics.
While the Spring 2008 runway displayed ikat dresses from top designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Tracy Reese and Bruce Spring, ikat print is making its way into lingerie and swimwear. Several shops have been seen selling select pieces of ikat lingerie including bathing suits, bras and bathrobes. Lands’ End is showing a pretty tankini style ikat print bathing suit and Novica.com has a couple Cristin Carolin bathrobes. She specializes in ikat having learned the technique in Bali.
Ikat should be prevalent in the spring and summer months as the designs lend themselves to warm weather patterns.
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