Inspiring Prints For Spring
Image credit: Studio One Eighty Nine
Looking to dust away the cobwebs from your Spring wardrobe? Get in the mood for the season with this delightful selection of inspiring traditional and vintage prints.
Spring heralds the arrival of the first blooms, as well as sunnier, longer days. Wearing prints helps to brighten our mood and we love to source ours from traditional places. From hand block printing in Jaipur, to hand batiking in Accra and traditional Ikat weaving in Uzbekistan, we’re inspired this season by the dreamiest techniques. That being said, who doesn’t love a vintage floral boho dress? Or a modern take on traditional African colours and prints? We’ve found the prettiest, most joyful prints to inspire you for Spring.
Studio One Eighty Nine
Winner of the prestigious CFDA Lexus Initiative award for Sustainability, Studio One Eighty Nine is an artisan made brand, with a social impact. Founded by friends Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah, the label is led by the pair from the US, but produced solely in Africa. Specialising in hand painting and hand batik printing, the brand also utilises sustainable and recycled fabrics as well as natural dyes. The result is a joyful representation of African fashion, with an emphasis on supporting social enterprise projects like female empowerment, education and skills development.
ALEKSANDRAVIKTOR
Seeking to create a connection with heritage, Aleksandra Jagdfeld wanted to engage with the slow fashion process for her new label. For her debut collection, she decided to concentrate on one piece, the coat, while celebrating cultural heritage and tradition around the world. During her travels in Uzbekistan she was introduced to the Ikat, a handwoven silk fabric built using vibrant colours. Aleksandra developed a special blend for her coats, using 50% ethically sourced Uzbek cotton and 50% silk to allow the coat to hang beautifully but still be light and comfortable. 9 prints live in this first collection, utilising old dying methods. Each one is hand woven in Uzbekistan, then tailored in Europe.
Aardes
Arguably the most impressive prints can be found in India. The art of hand block printing is a traditional one, beginning life as a hand carved wooden block. Each intricate block is then applied carefully to GOTS certified cotton, using natural dyes. Aardes pieces are all produced this way by a small company in Jaipur called The Block Print Company. Mindful of a slow process, founder Lauren T Franks began the brand with a small selection of blouses, which has grown this season to incorporate dresses.
Mother Vintage
If you’re inspired by vintage prints, why not wear the real thing? Mother Vintage curate exquisite collections of vintage from the 60s, 70’s and 80’s. This season, floral prints feature heavily, as do flowing cottons and silk chiffons. You can’t get much better than this paisley printed dress with velvet trim. Investing in timeless vintage allows you to experiment with trends, whilst steering clear of questionable fast fashion. Mother Vintage switch up the theme each season so sign up to be notified of new drops.
Asha : Eleven
Kenyan born, Cape Town resident Olivia Kennaway is the founder of Asha : Eleven. Her affinity with Kenyan artisans led her to create the brand, concentrating on producing in a way that supports local economy as well as celebrates her mother land’s riches. The new printed collection utilises TENCEL, which has a very low environmental impact. Everything is made with care by ‘a small and socially considerate factory in Cape Town.’ Her modern eye mixed with an appreciation for traditional artisanship makes Olivia’s designs truly sumptuous.
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Disclaimer: The people and models in the images featured are not associated with The Vendeur and do not endorse it or the products shown. This post may contain affiliate links. Prices correct at time of publishing.
