MOOD INDIGO: THE VARIED VIBRANT BLUE HUE
Indigo, long a stalwart of Indian and Japanese textiles as well as island batiks has been given a new lease on life, appearing in modern reinterpretations. Seen on everything from plates to rugs, the ancient dying technique and vivid blue tonal range is making inroads, appearing in Shibori, dip dyed techniques, tie dye, and intricate patterns. The resurgence has been bubbling up for some time, and the impact of artisanal, handmade and globally crafted accessories has helped it along. Blue and white never fails to find an audience, the time-tested palette is endlessly appealing.
Photo courtsy of Horne
Tse and Tse Boukhara Plate through Horne
Photo courtesy of Les Indiennes
How charming are these fringed napkins? Simultaneously casual and elegant, the Penelope napkins from Les Indiennes with a small indigo pin dot.
Photo courtesy of Terrain
Indigo window pane checked tablecloth from Terrain created by artist Britt Browne using the traditional Shibori dying method.
Photo courtesy of John Robshaw
Well versed in the appeal of indigo, John Robshaw usually has something in the color every season.
Photo courtesy of Ankasa
Always on trend, Ankasa incorporates shibori, ombre and a lively zig zag pattern into their pillow designs. Their recently launched e-commerce site means you can shop for their soft goods, from embroidered to intricate, whenever you like.
Photo courtesy of Shilpa Rathi
Made of organic cotton and printed with vegetable dyes, Shilpa Rathi's Turtle bedding is easy breezy and fun. Just think of how it could transform an all-white bedroom.
Photo courtesy of Swan Island
Blue and white stripes make their way onto the end of this Maine-made hand-loomed Swans Island Merino wool blanket.
Photo courtesy of Hollywood at Home
Use it at the foot of the bed as a throw or on a chair, either way Peter Dunham's woven indigo and white handwoven throw from Hollywood at Home adds a bit of global gadabout.
Photo courtesy of Michael Smith/Jasper
Printed on hemp, Jasper's new Coquina print from Michael Smith has batik roots with a refined and detailed shell pattern.
Photo courtesy of Katie Leede
In textiles, Katie Leede's Japanese collection tends towards indigo printed on a weathered linen with a worn in feel. Cloud Scroll resembles clouds or waves-- whichever is the most inspiring natural reference at the moment.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Fine
Maharab, Lisa Fine's patchwork printed pattern shows indigo in its many variations. It has long been a favorite of mine.
Photo courtesy of West Elm
Many antique dhurries were made from indigo dyes, and I have a natural affinity for them in blue because of this. Taking indigo to a pattern-rich place, West Elm's Indigo Geo Cotton Dhurrie is everything it should be- interesting to look at and easy to live with.