THE WEAVES WE LOVE TO INDULGE IN
• Classic Parsi: Hand-embroidered Parsi sarees called garas are an ode to influences from China, Persia, and India. Flat, knot and forbidden stitches make each piece unique. To identify a gara, look for peonies and Phoenix, jasmines and lotuses, and peacocks and pagodas on them.
• Talk typography: Lettering inspo is big on Instagram. Experiment with typeface and fonts whilst you make a statement. Choices include a chain-stitched Be Awesome on a t-shirt, candy-coloured French knots reading Girl, Stay Strong on a leather jacket, etc.
• Go floral: The timeless style is present on pumps, denims, clutches, bags, shirts, belts, and umbrellas. From big sunflowers to tiny petunias, you will be spoilt for choice. Indian designer Samant Chauhan’s SS’18 collection (Amazon India Fashion Week) of gowns and dresses in white, ivory and off-white with delicate floral embroidery had us drooling.
• From the past: Towels, quilts, tea cosies, and blankets are a perfect match for vintage stitches and feel. A quick glance at Mexican artist Victoria Villasana’s work and you will be in awe. She uses colourful embroidery on black and white pictures of cultural icons like Muhammad Ali and Marilyn Monroe and the results are gorgeous.
• Insects as embellishments: Think beyond butterflies – bugs, spiders, and snails crawling and squirming on your clutch or cardigan. Of course, there are elephants, parrots, and chickens too, but the caterpillars and dragonflies are ruling the scene.
• Delicate lacework: Use it to weave a dreamcatcher or a bookmark. Coasters in pretty pastels look great too. Brides-to-be check out the lace dresses by Lihi Hod.
• Black ’n’ White: Geometric patterns and elegant lines, blackwork will remind you of the patterns in adult colouring books. They’re identifiable with their bigger shapes and smaller filling patterns, and are popular tattoo inspirations for men.
• Boho spirit: Embrace the colours in comfortable clothing adorned with hand-drawn feathers, wreaths, birds, tropical flowers, etc. Portals like shesimplyshops.com, newchic.com, and asos.com are must-stops for these buys.