The fashion industry is currently obsessed with artisanal motifs, and ikat a dyeing technique, is one of the most popular of them all. This textile has been around for quite some time. While designers globally are fascinated by its geometric designs, India has been one of the oldest and most diverse manufacturers of fabrics.
The word “ikat” means “to blind” in Indonesian, and it is typically made of silk and cotton.
The labour-intensive techniques involved in creating ikat fabrics involve resist dyeing, which controls the spread of the dye and bundle of yarm, creating designs through the dyeing process rather than in the weaving, unlike most other fabrics.
Recently, designers have been experimenting with light and light materials in all kinds of shapes. If you are looking to upgrade your wardrobe with some ikat pieces, we have some recommendations for you.
Loom: It has a unique take on polka dots with its ivory handwoven dress that is perfect for day-to-night wear. Pair it with hoop earrings and sandals for an effortlessly chic look. Translate’s CHALK collection offers a relaxed, cotton dress that’s perfect for a lazy lunch.
Suket Dhir: It is an aesthetic minimalistic, but the details in his pieces are remarkable. This ikat shirt, borrowed from the boys, would look great worn as is or over a crop top in a muted shade.
Shriya Som: It is a tangerine pochampally silk dress with voluminous sleeves and exceptional detailing in the cuffs is perfect. Okhai is a label that empowers rural and semi-urban women through work and has an adorable kaftan-style mini dress that’s perfect for beach days.
Neel Charkha’s ankle-grazing pants, handcrafted out of cotton, would look equally good with a kurta or a crop top. The Ikat Story’s latest collection features an achromatic two-piece that’s perfect for an easy pantsuit. The silhouette inspired by modern Japanese streetwear would go well with a bandeau top.
Puducherry-based Wunderhaus: Founded with the mission to redefine handloom, uses locally-produced short-staple cotton woven by clusters in Madurai and Kurinjipadi to create androgynous clothing. Their lightweight shirt fashioned from kutch kala cotton and Sambalpuri ikat is perfect for layering in warmer temperatures.
Finally, ‘Malie a womenswear label that offers contemporary silhouettes inspired by artisanal crafts, has a candy-coloured ankle-length dress with statement sleeves crafted in handwoven ikat. The dress has a gorgeous V-neckline and buttons that go all the way down the front.
In summary, from easy-to-wear pieces to eye-popping brights, ikat is a must-have in your closet this season.
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