Inspiration: Antique Textiles & Patterns
Posted by RODELLEE BAS
I have always had an affinity for antique textiles dating from the 17th to 18th century most notably Indian block prints and patterns inspired by Indian textiles in French and English fabric manufacturing. Since I am not a fabric or textile expert by any stretch of the imagination, this post is mostly for aesthetics since I am in the "dreaming phase" for my future clothing line (which still remains nameless, though I do have a few ideas floating around, at last!) As I glean more information about textile and fabric history, I will share some of what I have come to learn here!
History Tidbit: The "Indiennes"
"Indiennes" was a type of printed or painted textile manufactured in Europe between the 17th and the 19th centuries, inspired by similar textile originally made in India, hence the name. [1] Printed onto a lightweight calico, these decorative panels were brought into Europe at the end of the 16th Century. The brightness and fastness of the colors, the lightness of the cloth, together with the lively and varied patterns, quickly seduced the European taste for all that was new and exotic. [2]
It is probably no surprise at all that I am drawn to ditsy floral prints (Adored Vintage is nearly always stocked with ditsy floral print tops and dresses), but I quite love plaids and dots and stripes also, but definitely prefer small delicate repeating patterns.
sources & references: [1] Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indienne [2] Musée de l’Impression sur Etoffes. http://www.musee-impression.com/en/the-indiennes-textiles/
further reading: Paint & Pattern. http://paintandpattern.com/indienne-textiles/ Marvelous Provence. https://www.marvellous-provence.com/arts-and-traditions/traditions/les-indiennes-textiles
