In July 2017, I had answered some questions for Sakal Times, an independent media organization based in Mumbai, regarding the resurgence of Tie and Dye in the fashion space in that particular year. Looking through all my past work, I managed to find my document and the published article.
The Return of Tie and Dye
1. Why suddenly has there been such a huge craze for tie
and dye that too in Western wear? Is it just among the young crowd or people of
all ages? For what occasions can they be worn?
As we have all experienced recently, the
trends of the past have become the trends of today. Designers have played
around with bell bottoms of the 70’s and slip dresses of the 90’s to name a
few. Even though tie and dye have not reached the mainstream market as of yet,
there still seems to be a major hype amongst youngsters. When it comes to tie
and dye, there are lovers or haters, but rarely a neutral perspective on this
trend. Designer brands have made sure there is something for everyone in 2017.
From a Coachella inspired fest to the Justin Beiber concert, this groovy trend
works well for music and arts festivals.
2. What are various outfits in tie and dye
which are in vogue for both genders?
There have been many interpretations of a
tie and dye look but the most common ones are the maxi dresses best suited for
a beach vacation. With sleeves being a big trend in 2017, pairing a dyed top
with either an off-shoulder neckline or bell sleeves top should be perfect for
your ladies brunch. Keeping the summer season in mind, crop tops, sundresses
and full skirts should be your must haves. From the basic staples of t-shirts
and shirts, the 2017 wardrobe is a little more experimental when it comes to
menswear. Pick up a pair of dyed sneakers or layer with a dyed shacket (shirt +
jacket) this season to up your game on styling.
3. Which are the most preferred colours and how can they
be sported on the basis of gender, skin colour and age?
The shibori dye has been the most common
effect that everyone has been flaunting this summer 2017. The cooler hues of
indigo dyed kurtis and maxi dresses have been a rage among the college goers
and vacationers.
Away from the 70’s hippie culture, the
dyed patterns of 2017 are more neutral and ‘wearable’ without having to make a
particular statement. You can try a subtle colour with a dip dyed outfit or a
monotone hue. When it comes to neutrals, these suit every skin tone and age
group. Having said that, the fashion focussed youth today are also celebrating
the 70’s with many palettes of colours, big floppy hats, and floral gumboots.
If you’re one of the statement-making bloggers, opt for vibrant and warm
colours such as vermilion and tangerines.
4. What are the do's and don'ts of wearing tie and dye
outfits in Western outfits?
With evolving fashion statements every
year, western wear mixed with tie dye elements have also been changing. You
should look for more cooler colours instead of a rainbow colour palette, which
can be worn for informal meetings and brunches. Keep the colourful tees and
dresses for a fest or your summer vacations. A colourful tie-dyed jumpsuit is
not necessarily the best way to embrace summers, but a pair of dyed culottes
paired with a neutral top can be part of your college wardrobe though. As for
the men, everything looks great with denim pieces. An ombre dyed t-shirt with a
jacket and jeans is the ideal outfit for you. Try to stick to one or 2 colours
on your tie dye outfit so as to not look too retro.
5. How can they be paired for both the sexes and keep the
look minimalist?
In case you are flaunting a multicoloured
t-shirt, pair that with denim shorts and white sneaker for the summer months.
This is a fail-proof tip for both men and women for the hotter months. As
mentioned, the dyed effect can be kept minimal by using a monochromatic colour
palette. As monsoons approach closer, make sure your wardrobe is more peppy
than monotone. This is particularly a good season to wear those high octane
shades of pinks and yellows for a dull and gloomy weather. As for the men in
our lives, if colourful tie and dye effect is too much for your taste, opt for
the ombre dyed casuals to pair with denims.
6. How to accessorise it best depending upon the outfit
you choose to wear?
The psychedelic patterns created by tie-dyeing
a fabric is more statement in itself than the accessory worn over it. However,
the best way to incorporate the dyeing effect in your outfit without overdoing
it, is by adding dyed accessories, shoes, bags, jewellery, etc while keeping
your outfit minimal. A vibrant pair of plimsoles can be paired with white
bottoms or a two tone wedding clutch can be matched with a gorgeous black gown
for a special event. It all depends on how much colour you wish to wear.
Although this trend peaks from time to
time you will always need to update these pieces to keep things refreshing. The
70’s era is surely over but their essence remains forever.
