Colour Me Fuchsia: Ikat x Stripes

Ikat is one of the current trends right now. We can see them worn as clothes, and it also works to beautify the interior designs. The word ikat (pronounced 'ee-KAHT') derives from the Indonesian word 'mengikat' or 'to tie'. It is a dyeing technique used to pattern textiles that employs a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye on either the warp or weft fibres prior to dyeing.

Double Ikat is created by tying both the warp and weft prior to weaving or more specifically, employs a variety of tie-dye resist techniques. This form of weaving requires the most skill for precise patterns to be woven and is considered the premiere form of ikat. Indian and Indonesian examples typify highly precise double ikat. This fabric has been used as prestigious trade cloths during the peak of the spice trade.

What if these two iconic patterns mixed together? Ikat—pattern that gives an ethnic, traditional feeling mixed with b&w stripes pattern which has the mod feeling. Mod's subculture is where the graphic-printed was so iconic during the 1960s era.

Yes, we surely can put them together to create a beautiful clash.

I tried to mix these patterns up wearing the simple b&w stripes long sleeved shirt with the blazer which was made by order to my fam's favourite tailor. I have been a fan of ikat since 2010 because of Dries van Noten's Spring 2010 collection. Ikat fabrics are easily found in Indonesia, especially in Bali and Yogyakarta—the place where my mom bought me the fabric for this blazer.

I wore this outfit to my campus today. The dot-printed vans were meant to even out the 'mod' touch on this outfit. By the way, I had those vans since I was in junior high school. Glad, they're still in good condition.