Welcome Back, Friend

The longer days and warmer weather remind me of childhood and I feel myself gravitating towards my younger days. I grew up in the late 70’s and early 80’s when hippies were around and a more natural way of life was more prominent. The lifestyle of the 90's was so far from hippie, that I even began to question my love affair. And then, I noticed that softer fabrics and colors seem to be making them way back into mainstream. And that's when I saw it, my old friend, one that I welcome back with open arms: Tie Dye.

I used to spend hours upon hours at summer camp tie dying t’shirts, shorts, shoes, etc. It appealed to my creative side, as well as my hippie side. Then it went out and anyone caught in it was considered a “dirty hippie” – Well my friends, it's back and coming in all different forms. OK, today's version doesn't inspire the same feeling that you're in a parking lot about to see a Grateful Dead show, but it's not that different. And yet, it's totally mainstream. Check out Glamour's most wearable 2010 trends in case you doubt me.

And, the original trend is inspiring prints and patterns in all forms and sizes. I've let it inspire watercolor plaids, stripes and a bit of splatter paint in our Fall 2010 collection.

And, there are some people doing a great job of it this spring. Blumarine’s Spring 10 line has beautiful tie dye tops, dresses, coverups and bags to match.

In case you were never a fan of tie dye, I'd brace yourself and get used to it, 'cause it's here to stay for a little while. And, I, for one, am going to enjoy it!