Ibulliance: Bluetiful Gold
Indigo is a powerful natural resource, used by many cultures around the world to create rich blue hues in textile production, mural painting, body decoration, and more. Blue gold, it is called in El Salvador because of the vast wealth it once brought to the region before it was outpaced by chemical dyes. Now, a small group of Salvadoran women are bringing back the techniques with the skill of resist dyeing, creating patterns on cotton for a dramatic blue and white that is absolutely striking.
Ibu’s relationship with Bluetiful, led by founder Monica Figueroa, began in 2018 when our team connected with her in Guatemala and began designing several patterns for our World Dress collection. Since that time, Ibu has partnered with Bluetiful annually to design new bold patterns in classic blue and white that you have loved year after year.
The indigo process: natural indigo plant; a dye vat; a finished dyed textile.
Earlier this year, Ibu design director Marisa noticed a wide bold stripe in Bluetiful’s designs that she had not seen before. Connecting with Monica, she began to play with the idea of mixing patterns for a modern look with more visual interest. The new approach required several iterations—communicating the placement of the designs was tricky because the women don’t typically combine different prints. In addition to the blend of wide and narrow stripes, the new dress and tunic include contrasting orientation of the stripes on the collar and cuff. A patch pocket on the tunic brings in a pop of color with decorative stitching.
This dance back and forth with our artisan partners is typical as Ibu develops new designs and artisans explore new techniques—a true collaboration where minds stretch and skills are honed. It is a thrilling experience when it all comes together and the final product arrives in our showroom, ready to share with you.
These new pieces are just in time for fall as the weather hints at cooler temperatures and we’re ready to shed our summer swag for more structured and layered wardrobes. Swap out the dress’s tie belt with a chunky leather version and layer on a shaggy vest or cropped bomber jacket with a pair of cowboy boots. Don the striped tunic over dark denim jeans and add knee-high boots for a casual but stylish look. The deep blue hue allows for limitless combinations and will be pure gold in your repertoire of ensembles.
We delight in sharing these partnerships, as we learn more about the women and the history of these techniques dating back for centuries. Your interest and support keep these practices alive and provide a means for women to earn a living wage through their craft.
With Gratitude,
Lasley Steever
Chief Marketing Office
