The Making of A Truly "Eyeconic" Print!
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Ever since we started working with the team at Thika Cloth Mills, we've found that the joy and inspiration we've experienced in printing our own fabrics extends not only to the process itself, but also to the many artists and artisans we've gotten to know along the way. From excitedly brainstorming new color combinations and print ideas, to sharing stories over soup at our favorite NYC lunch spot, it's been such an unexpected pleasure to cultivate these relationships the last few years, and we're grateful to be able to work with people we hold in such high esteem. As we introduce our newest Eyeconic sleeveless top, we wanted to give you a little glimpse into the process behind this fabric, and the wonderful team who made it possible.
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Meet the Artist: Jo Kalute!
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We first met surface and textile designer Jo Kalute in 2020, and are such huge fans of her work! For those of you who remember the "Eye Candy", "Monarch", and "Wanderlust" prints to name a few, we're thrilled to share her newest Eyeconic print, this time as a sleeveless top! We hope you'll check out more of her work and follow along with her recent projects, here!
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Once the print and color palette have been finalized digitally, the first step in the sampling process is deciding on the scale of the print. Above, you can see how Jo mapped the options onto one of Natasha Sweeney's beautiful photographs, to give us a better idea of how they'd look in context!
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Then, comes the sampling! We worked with the team at Thika Cloth Mills to create three physical cotton samples in each option, and thought about how we'd like to see this print come to life. We decided on the medium scale for the Eyeconic print, both because we wanted the design to stand on its own while still being subtle, and also to ensure that it would look right on point for each of our silhouettes.
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Finally, once the scale is confirmed, the design will be prepared for bulk printing! In the process of rotary printing, a film must first be created to use in a process of transfer lithography, which maps onto a nickel role, through which the ink will flow onto the fabric. You can see the film used for the Eyconic top, above!
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The printing process at Thika Cloth Mills is something that is really special, and one that we're truly proud to participate in. From the cotton which is all 100% locally sourced in Kenya, to the spinning and weaving of the fabric on site, this is a truly vertical manufacturing process and we are always both touched and amazed by the level of dedication by the TCM team to ethical, local manufacturing.
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When the fabric is printed on a rotary machine, the dye must be calibrated manually to ensure that the flow and richness of color are consistently applied. The fabric in this process should have nearly 100% saturation, which is why the fabric often looks the same on the back as the front!
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Once the fabric has gone through the machine, it will be heat treated to set the dyes before it folds neatly into the wheeled crate you see above. Here's Chomba peeking out from behind the press:)
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Above, Ruth is shown checking the fabric after printing, to ensure that any issues, however small, are corrected immediately. Even the smallest wrinkle can affect meter upon meter of printed fabric since it goes through so quickly, so it's important to keep a close "eye" on what's been done:) As you can see, Ruth looks pretty happy with the outcome of this fabric! We're so excited to share the newest prints with you, and for
those of you who are interested in learning more about our 100% Made in Kenya line and process, feel free to check out our page, here!
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*FOUR* FABULOUS NEW ARRIVALS HAVE LANDED!
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This dress pops! A fabulously fun yet classic combination of bold colors on a black background, this is one dress that's easy to wear anywhere, anytime! Wear it open as a jacket over black cropped pants, or just as it is with a cardigan for those crisp summer nights! This is one dress that that's easy to "chews":)
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This gorgeous mid scale geometric print, designed by Jo Kalute and printed as a part of our 100% Made in Kenya collection, is a chic way to stay cool! A sophisticated black and white palette make this easy to wear with just about anything, and give it the flexibility to dress up or down. Pair it with black pants or jeans for a look that is truly "eyeconic"!
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We could all use a little "me thyme" now and then! So let us give you some "sage" advice: this dress is meant to be:) A sweet, small scale bramble design in tones of black and teal, it's a simple design you'll find yourself reaching for again and again! Trust us - this dress is a wardrobe essential!
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Orange you glad we didn't say banana? This gorgeous floral has it all! A small scale background with black and white; a bright yet versatile design that's classic but still interesting; and a mid-weight, breathable cotton fabric that you can wear all year comfortably! What can we say? This dress is really "a-peel-ing"!
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WE'RE COMING, SANTA FE! // July 5-9
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See you in Santa Fe!! July 5th, 6th and 7th from 10-6PM, Inja, DeeDee and Ginger (aka the Tweedles) will be popping up in the Ballen Ballroom at La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe (with LOTS of dresses and accessories)! Then, on July 8 + 9, they'll be heading over to The Museum of International Folk Art (MOIFA), where they'll be popping up each day from 10-5. If you're in town, swing by and say hello!
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POPPING UP AT BLEECKER ST! // CHALO ON 7/1
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Join India-based Chalo founder Mitali Gupta this Saturday, July 1 from 12-4, for her pop up at our Bleecker Street shop! Ever since her father opened his factory in the early 90's, cowboy boots have been a part of Mitali's family and heritage, and she has sent over a special order of boots to Bleecker just for us all to see! We hope you'll be able to swing by and check them out:)
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WHAT WE'RE READING // House of Sticks by Ly Tran
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Ly Tran's memoir, which begins with her first childhood memory of waking up in her mother's arms at a refugee camp in Thailand, is a beautifully narrated story that unfolds through her coming of age as a Vietnamese immigrant in Queens. While this is a story of survival and identity through harsh conditions and trauma, it's notable that the book is dedicated to her mother and father - honoring the complexity and strength of her family
dynamic, all told with great compassion and love.
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WHAT WE'RE LISTENING TO // Sat-B
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Every now and then, you hear a track that you want to listen to over and over again, and this is absolutely one of them. Burundian singer/songwriter, Sat-B collaborated with Rwandan musical artist, Meddy, to create a sound that is both fun, energizing, and romantic - just as the title promises:)
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