Via Elle Decor
Ikat (pronounced “ee-cot”) are some of the oldest known patterned textiles in the world. They have appeared in several countries, including Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Guatemala, Turkey and India. In the 19th century, Ikat fabrics from Central Asia were used as a form of currency on the fabled Silk Road trade route across Asia, thereby linking Europe to the people and cultures from Turkey to China, and influencing the design world thereafter.
Via Domino
Ikat textiles are created, essentially, using a tie-dye method, whereby thousands of threads are tied and dyed to create intricate patterns before they are woven. Typically it is the warp threads (cross-wise) that are resist dyed, but occasionally the weft (vertical) threads are also dyed, resulting in a double ikat.
True ikat textiles are then woven by hand on narrow looms. A pattern emerges from the resist dyeing as the threads are loomed. The hand-woven fabrics have a completely different feel and appearance than fabrics made from a power-loom production.
Via Christie's
Historically, Ikat resulted in magnificent robes, adorned horses and hung in palaces. Designers today are reinventing the Ikat, using ancient techniques to create fresh, new designs, and where they apply the bold patterns is half the fun. Ikat is EVERYWHERE. I, personally, cannot get enough.
Everything about this image is RIGHT:
Via House Beautiful
Threads by Lee Jofa Nirvana Ikat in Granite colorway.
Via Kravet
A subtle, masculine use of Ikat in the home:
Interior design by Todd Romano via Material Girl's Blog
Ikat in the bedroom via House Beautiful:
Elle Decor has been all over Ikat for years, with a special concentration recently:
Madeleine Weinrib, who provides Ikat in every flavor of her amazing textiles, applies it to clutches for a vivid night on the town:
Food can't help but look delish against this backdrop:
This lucite ice bucket from Iomoi is just in time for refreshing summer drinks:
The always spot-on Design Sponge did a comprehensive Ikat Roundup showing Ikat patterns in every application. Some highlights:
The fashion world isn't slacking when it comes to the Ikat craze:
Ikat looks hot on the runway....
Via Runway Daily
...And in retail shops, where you'll probably find the rest of us:
Via J.Crew
Chic Geek did a cute post on how to wear Ikat:
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