Uzbek ikat fabrics in collections of Alix of Bohemia
We are used to hearing these grand names of haute couturiers who use Uzbek ikat fabrics for their collections like John Galliano and Oscar de la Renta. In light of how much media covers work of big fashion houses smaller fashion brands are almost left unnoticed. Meanwhile they seem to be leaving some serious dents on fashion runways.
The other day I was googling something ikat related. The Google Almighty – sometimes this is how I feel we should start referring to Google since so much depends on it – led me to a website of a fashion designer whose name I never heard before – Alix of Bohemia.
Who Is Alex of Bohemia?
Alix of Bohemia is a fashion brand by Alix Verley-Pietrafesa, an Italian textile, French arts genes mixed with education in the University of Scotland, further infused by travels round the world, currently creating from New York City. The bohemian part comes from her passion for vintage things and ethnic textiles. Alix uses it all – embroidery, ikats, kantha quilting, block print fabrics. Of course, it is the Uzbek ikat fabrics part which we find the most interesting.
Use of ikat fabrics by Alix of Bohemia
I “met” Alix through Sly Fox Silk Moiré Ikat Jacket. We have a fabric with the same ikat pattern in our collection. Obviously I wanted to see details of that jacket. One mouse click away I was already scrolling though her collections. Among ikat items, in addition to Uzbek silk ikat fabrics, she also uses handloom woven ikats from Guatemala.
We love small unique quality brands led by super talented people. The work of Alix di Bohemia is a sartorial work of art. Alix de Bohemia style is timeless. It will be valued for its artisanal qualities in decades to come and worn as vintage by future generation. This is awesome since most of things fashion industry produces these days, sadly, ends up in a landfill.
We also have a suggestion of the next textile for Alix to explore – Uzbek suzani embroidery! Something tells us she will find a good use for suzani.
