INSPIRATION: IKAT

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INSPIRATION: IKAT

Written by Megan McDonald - Wednesday, 03 March 2010

LINARENNELL

On a recent trip to a secret island (no joke), I had one of those ‘ah-ha!’ moments about one of my favorite prints. As I reached a secluded part of the beach I realized the sand at a plateau where the tide had last receded, left these incredible patterns of dark sentiment throughout. I couldn’t help but think about ikat prints. I know, ikat is sooooooo last year, but in the world of shopping and dressing green, one-off trends are just one more aspect of fashion we all need to work against. Let’s take a look at ikat as a timeless trend instead, shall we?

Etsy has become a hub of season-defying trends with funky twists and a heart of green. The rompers on Etsy are seller thrills and while I suppose I’m on a tangent in denying fast-pass trends, this is my favourite piece made by Portland-based Reif, who use sustainable fabrics in all their creations.

PEOPLE TREE

Avoiding trends (no matter how timeless) at their height offers a bonus – you can take advantage of end of season sales for those pieces that you know will last. I love this People Tree ruffle top, which offers an ikat twist on the standard white button up (and unlike People Tree’s website, Ascension ships worldwide). And, just in time for spring, this gorgeous Lina Rennell swimsuit combines an ikat-inspired print in an enduring cut. Here comes the sun!

IKAT WALLET

Finally, the fair trade arena is always working with international artisans to incorporate traditional designs that have become today’s trends into their pieces. An ikat wallet sourced from Ten Thousand Villages available on WorldofGood.com does just that. All these pieces can play to today’s trends in style, but with a print like ikat, they are sure to last as well.