Move over, surfer community. While they may have cornered the market on tie-dye patterns since the 1960s ended, this pattern has now become a ubiquitous fashion trend, from everyday wear to dressier fashion. Available at any price point, tie-dye can now be worn anywhere—not just to a 60s throwback party.
Harper’s Bazaar dubbed the latest infusion of tie-dye a “Tie-dye Renaissance,” and Alene Brodsky Bloom of Teaneck’s Carly’z Craze is on board and fully stocked for the rebirth. “Tie-dye never dies. It is always in fashion somewhere, and this is especially true as we approach the 50th anniversary of Woodstock,” said Brodsky Bloom. “It is appealing because people of all ages relate to the process. Anyone can tie-dye and the results are just like we are—individual, unique and each beautiful in their own way, flaws and all.”
Vogue magazine referred to the tie-dye style as “an instant mood lifter,” and it’s easy to understand why. The splashes of color bleeding into each other create a feeling of a harmonious environment on clothing. Many fashion analysts feel that the resurgence of tie-dye is a response to the turbulent political climate, and draw parallels between the national sentiment of the ’60s and our current politics. Tie-dye lovers: Rest assured that, despite this political commentary, the only statement you will make wearing these bright and colorful patterns will be a statement of on-trend fashion and positivity. “Tie-dye makes people feel happy and carefree,” said Brodksy Bloom.
Tie-dye artists are discovering new ways to branch out from the classic look and keep grooviness in fashion. Sophisticated patterns have mandala or kaleidoscope looks, floral styles and color pairings that go beyond the rainbow look. Looking to add an update to the tie-dye patterns, some designers add twists, such as an acid wash to tie-dye or a tie-dye over another pattern (such as plaid).
This year, Carly’z Craze is excited to be working with two local artists and featuring their tie-dye fashion for Spring 2019. Each year, Judy Gellerstein’s tie-dyed pencil and A-line skirts are a popular choice for summer fashion. “They fly out of the store as fast as we can unpack them. Customers can’t get enough,” said Brodsky Bloom. This year, Carly’z Craze also has one-of-a-kind dresses from local artist Natalia Kadish. “Natalia puts her heart and soul into everything she creates, whether it’s tie-dye dresses or teaching art at Ma’ayanot,” she said. The beauty of these dresses is not only their vibrant blend of colors, but the versatility they bring to the wearer. They can work for a weekday dress or a comfortable Shabbat afternoon. Natalia Kaddish’s clothing is available for both women and girls.
In today’s incarnation of tie-dye, the classic rainbow swirl styles may still be found, but the colors and patterns have been adapted into other looks. Some of today’s dye patterns barely resemble the looks from their original decade. The free-flowing style can still be found in many pieces, evoking a reminder of the fashion’s predecessors, but other articles of clothing have a crisp, tailored look very different from the hippy fashion with which tie-dye is normallyassociated. Even J.Crew has found a way to make this breezy pattern fit their preppy style. With the start of 2019, tie-dye’s new look has shown fashionistas how different tie-dye can be.
Other updates to tie-dye blend the classic look with today’s modern looks. Using pastels instead of bold rainbow tones can give the pattern a softer, more understated look. Using tie-die as a print, and not just a pattern, some have tie-dyed parts of a garment, rather than the entire piece.
For many, completely adopting a new trend is not their cup of tea. Trends come and go, so some don’t want to constantly turn over their wardrobe just to keep up. For others, they enjoy the constant change, but prefer to keep the style quieter and more understated. For any of these groups (and for those who love all the trends and want more ways to incorporate the style), accessories are a great way to go. They are often smaller pieces, which means less of the pattern or less money (no guarantees on the cost, though).
Shoes, purses or clutches, scarves, headbands and leggings are some ways to add a pop of tie-dye without having it take over your wardrobe. For those who cover their hair, slouch beanies, tichels and other head wraps are also available in many different tie-dye prints.
By Jenny Gans
