Tie-Dye, Take Two

Tie-Dye, Take Two

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/01/AR2009070103972.html

July 2, 2009
by Holly E. Thomas

Yes, tie-dye is back. But today's take on the Summer of Love look
doesn't exactly cue the faint strains of "Uncle John's Band." For
their resort collections, designers Anna Sui and Michael Kors took
the hippie staple high-end by way of rich fabrics and elegant
silhouettes. Kiran Rai, 42, the creative director and designer of the
line Sir Alistair Rai, followed suit for summer by dyeing lush silk
pieces in clean, simple color palettes.

The whole inspiration for the entire collection and all this tie-dye
was: 'If Jackie Onassis had gone to India, what would she have worn?'
An amazing, elegant woman, a style icon -- we wanted that elegant
flow," Rai says.

Rai's collection includes a breezy monochromatic maxi, which she
suggests cinching with a belt for a casual look, as well as vibrantly
hued caftans and kurtas. Sunshine & Shadow's powdery silk scarf
freshens up a simple T-shirt and jeans, while Anthropologie's
ankle-tie sandals look equally sweet at a barbecue or at the beach.
Going for a more grown-up vibe? Add a bit of funky polish to a basic
work ensemble with BCBGirls peep-toe pumps or Pietro Alessandro's
buttery leather satchel.

Rai, who admits to being a tie-dye aficionado, says the secret to
being trendy, not tacky, is to choose luxurious fabrics and classic
cuts. "Tie-dye is so elegant if done right. A Jerry Garcia cotton
T-shirt is so different from beautiful silks and flowing fabrics."

.