Ikat, Ikat Everywhere

© ASOS

Ikat is one of the world’s oldest textile traditions, with a history that spans several centuries and continents. All over the world, from Indonesia (where the name originated) and all over Asia, to Central and South America, people have been weaving and dying. This ritual weaving and resist-dying process produces an intricate, beautiful patterned fabric, which in some cultures, is said to possess magical powers.

Given it’s lengthy, well-documented, well-distributed history, it’s safe to say that ikat isn’t a “new” trend per se, but an ancient ritual unearthed and reinvented by designers seeking to infuse their Spring collections with a sense of worldliness, of glamorous globetrotting. Because of the fabric’s diverse history, it’s versatility comes as no surprise. Ikat can be exotic, luxurious, ethnic, earthy, posh, and bohemian.

Spring 2011 collections were proof of that, where designers all over the fashion map sent ikat down their runways, in all its incarnations. At L.A.M.B, ikat appeared as an elaborately patterned, multi-colored shift dress and as a silky-sheer maxi dress that appeared to be dyed by hand. Tracy Reese took a vintage-inspired, relaxed approach, turning Technicolor ikat into fluid tunics and pants. The pattern was reinterpreted again at TOMMY, where the look was quintessentially preppy, with tailored ikat chino shorts and maxi-skirts worn with classic sweaters – and again, at Ruffian, where high-gloss satin ikat took the form of strapless cocktail dresses and chic, swingy skirts.

© Joie, MaxMara, J.Crew, Madewell, Tylie MalibuWear ikat your own way this summer, and check out our favorite ready-to-wear picks for inspiration. First up – we love this Ornella Ikat-Print Maxi Dress by Joie. The ikat pattern looks almost tribal, and the color palette is rich, yet understated. Feminine and flowy, this multi-purpose frock would look great gone casual simply with cognac-leather sandals, or dressed up for nighttime with strappy stilettos and an eclectic assortment of vintage bangles and baubles.

Get yourself an ikat midiskirt and get two spring trends in one! Weekend MaxMara’s Faiti Ikat Maxi Skirt is ladylike and chic in cream and brown. Wear it with a tank or a cute strapless bodice tucked in, then top it off with a boyfriend blazer and clog-wedges for off-beat appeal, or with a cardigan sweater and pearls for preppy done perfectly. Color options to consider - mango, mustard, leafy green, cinammon, or ruby-red.

If it’s color you’re after, our picks are the J. Crew Indira Ikat Dress and the Madewell Electric Ikat Top. Both in slinky silk-georgette, these pieces add colorful options to your casual-wear wardrobe. Pair the dress with your favorite flat, simple sneakers for daytime shopping, or polish it up with patent leather ballerina flats and a wide waist belt. The Madewell top is equally as versatile – it looks great with basic cut-offs and ankle-strap sandals, or as part of a more sophisticated outfit with a form-fitting pencil skirt and pumps.

And if you’re looking for a great grab-and-go piece to up the ante on your basic duds, go for a great printed carry-all purse like the aptly-named Nomad Hobo Bag from Tylie Malibu. Slouchy and oversized, the bright green, yellow, white, and black ikat pattern is what makes this one a truly cool bag, sure to punch up even the blah-est of last-minute outfits.