Space Dye - Stacia vs. Missoni

Ever since I started working with space-dyed yarn, I've constantly been compared to Missoni, who in the 1970's started the space-dye trend. But what is "space-dyed" yarn anyway? According to answers.com, the definition is "(textiles) Yarn dyed in one color for a specified length and in other colors for other lengths, the sequence being repeated." In layman terms, let's say there's 4 colors in a space-dye pattern (red, white, blue, yellow), you'd dye the yarn in red for about 6" then white the next 6", blue another 6", yellow another 6", and repeat again. The overall yarn will have a sort of rainbow effect and will be a pre-determined color repeat. The fun starts in the knitting process, though, because the pattern is not predictable nor is it engineered. You may have areas of striping, diamond shapes, or zig-zag effects. There's no telling what kind of pattern will evolve, because as the machine knits across the garment and then back down to the next row, the colors will layer on top of each other and create unique patterns on every garment - that is, no 2 garments will be the same. That's the beauty of space-dye yarn - you can get a one-of-a-kind look without a couture price (unless you're Missoni of course!)
So Missoni didn't invent space-dye, nor do I claim to have invented the wheel, but this special dye technique is just another pattern out there for knitwear designers, textile designers, and even carpet weavers to utilize to express an array of color in one fabric. You have polka-dots, stripes, plaids, tie-dye, and then there's space-dye. They're all patterns for fabrics and not patented or copyrighted in the universe. Sonia Rykel is famously known for her stripes, but everybody and his brother (aka J.Crew) have done stripes through the ages. So is it flattering to be compared to Missoni? Sure, they're an iconic brand, but I hope I'm offering my own take on the space-dye yarn in my own designs and colors, and at an obtainable price for a real person (not a celebrity!) I'm not manufacturing $1500 sweaters here, but I am offering affordable, luxurious knits that retail under $300.

Space Dye - Stacia vs. Missoni

Ever since I started working with space-dyed yarn, I've constantly been compared to Missoni, who in the 1970's started the space-dye trend. But what is "space-dyed" yarn anyway? According to answers.com, the definition is "(textiles) Yarn dyed in one color for a specified length and in other colors for other lengths, the sequence being repeated." In layman terms, let's say there's 4 colors in a space-dye pattern (red, white, blue, yellow), you'd dye the yarn in red for about 6" then white the next 6", blue another 6", yellow another 6", and repeat again. The overall yarn will have a sort of rainbow effect and will be a pre-determined color repeat. The fun starts in the knitting process, though, because the pattern is not predictable nor is it engineered. You may have areas of striping, diamond shapes, or zig-zag effects. There's no telling what kind of pattern will evolve, because as the machine knits across the garment and then back down to the next row, the colors will layer on top of each other and create unique patterns on every garment - that is, no 2 garments will be the same. That's the beauty of space-dye yarn - you can get a one-of-a-kind look without a couture price (unless you're Missoni of course!)
So Missoni didn't invent space-dye, nor do I claim to have invented the wheel, but this special dye technique is just another pattern out there for knitwear designers, textile designers, and even carpet weavers to utilize to express an array of color in one fabric. You have polka-dots, stripes, plaids, tie-dye, and then there's space-dye. They're all patterns for fabrics and not patented or copyrighted in the universe. Sonia Rykel is famously known for her stripes, but everybody and his brother (aka J.Crew) have done stripes through the ages. So is it flattering to be compared to Missoni? Sure, they're an iconic brand, but I hope I'm offering my own take on the space-dye yarn in my own designs and colors, and at an obtainable price for a real person (not a celebrity!) I'm not manufacturing $1500 sweaters here, but I am offering affordable, luxurious knits that retail under $300.

From the Sketchpad - Part 1

Since this blog is my diary of sorts as a designer, I wanted to include a series of entries about new stuff I'm working on. Most consumers don't realize we designers have to work a year in advance on our collections so it may be fun to see what's coming up before the collection hits the floor. So here's my first entry From the Sketchpad...
It's June and I've already designed Spring 2008 (to ship to stores in January '08!) Spring is my favorite collection to design so I'm never at a loss for ideas. This Spring I'm dabbling in some new yarns for my signature spacedye - 100% bamboo and 100% cotton. And the new shape I'm working on is the wrap dress. It's a design staple and goes along with that effortless look I strive to achieve in my knitwear. It's easy to feel polished in one , but you can also throw one on over some leggings or a swimsuit and have a more laid-back look. Another fave dress shape I'm resurrecting is my va va voom dress from my Brooklyn-boutique days. It was my best-selling dress at stacia new york in all fabrics - mainly cotton prints - and now I"m trying it in my spacedye knit. I'll keep you posted on how it works out. Can't wait to get all my design samples in from the factory! Will post some pix of the new designs when they arrive. Stay tuned for more Spring '08 From the Sketchpad...

From the Sketchpad - Part 1

Since this blog is my diary of sorts as a designer, I wanted to include a series of entries about new stuff I'm working on. Most consumers don't realize we designers have to work a year in advance on our collections so it may be fun to see what's coming up before the collection hits the floor. So here's my first entry From the Sketchpad...
It's June and I've already designed Spring 2008 (to ship to stores in January '08!) Spring is my favorite collection to design so I'm never at a loss for ideas. This Spring I'm dabbling in some new yarns for my signature spacedye - 100% bamboo and 100% cotton. And the new shape I'm working on is the wrap dress. It's a design staple and goes along with that effortless look I strive to achieve in my knitwear. It's easy to feel polished in one , but you can also throw one on over some leggings or a swimsuit and have a more laid-back look. Another fave dress shape I'm resurrecting is my va va voom dress from my Brooklyn-boutique days. It was my best-selling dress at stacia new york in all fabrics - mainly cotton prints - and now I"m trying it in my spacedye knit. I'll keep you posted on how it works out. Can't wait to get all my design samples in from the factory! Will post some pix of the new designs when they arrive. Stay tuned for more Spring '08 From the Sketchpad...

Suit Up For Summer à la North Shore

Finding the perfect, stay-put swimsuit is always a challenge and you don't want to necessarily don a lap-worthy speedo. What's a girl to do? Alas, I have found the answer! Yes, I've tried them all - the designer (Malia Mills), the mass-market (J.Crew), the 16 year-old Roxy look, and yet I haven't been satisfied. Personally, I want a timeless suit (aka a "solid") since I get bored so easily with prints, but the baby's got to fit good and stay-put when I'm on my long board. About 8 years ago I discovered a little gem of a store on Oahu's North Shore in the rustic town of Haleiwa, called North Shore Swimwear. They sell the suits à la carte and hang a sample of each top and bottom up on the wall so you can pick and choose. They also do custom suits if you don't see what you want on the rack. My fave is the Tavaner halter and boy short (pictured above in cherry red.) I own two - one in pacific blue and one in chocolate brown (brown looks great when your ghost-white the first time on the beach!). The Drew halter wrap top is also great. Just bought one in aqua to go with my chocolate boy shorts. That's what's great about the solids too- you can mix n' match colors and look like you meant to do it. If you can't make the trek to Haleiwa, they have a great online shop, northshoreswimwear.com. So click away and get yourself one of these surf-worthy suits before you hit the waves!

Suit Up For Summer à la North Shore

Finding the perfect, stay-put swimsuit is always a challenge and you don't want to necessarily don a lap-worthy speedo. What's a girl to do? Alas, I have found the answer! Yes, I've tried them all - the designer (Malia Mills), the mass-market (J.Crew), the 16 year-old Roxy look, and yet I haven't been satisfied. Personally, I want a timeless suit (aka a "solid") since I get bored so easily with prints, but the baby's got to fit good and stay-put when I'm on my long board. About 8 years ago I discovered a little gem of a store on Oahu's North Shore in the rustic town of Haleiwa, called North Shore Swimwear. They sell the suits à la carte and hang a sample of each top and bottom up on the wall so you can pick and choose. They also do custom suits if you don't see what you want on the rack. My fave is the Tavaner halter and boy short (pictured above in cherry red.) I own two - one in pacific blue and one in chocolate brown (brown looks great when your ghost-white the first time on the beach!). The Drew halter wrap top is also great. Just bought one in aqua to go with my chocolate boy shorts. That's what's great about the solids too- you can mix n' match colors and look like you meant to do it. If you can't make the trek to Haleiwa, they have a great online shop, northshoreswimwear.com. So click away and get yourself one of these surf-worthy suits before you hit the waves!

Tie One On and Breathe...

One of my oldest and dearest friends, Ria Ray, designs these cool, spiritual tie-on bracelets that are printed with her mantra poetry. Simple sayings that put a smile on your face and make you forget about your crazy day. My favorite is Surf~ Freedom is Pure. It's certainly how I feel when I'm cresting a wave - freedom and purity- and when I wear it I dream of being on the water again. Ria Ray is an artist, healer, designer, and all-around guru who has come a long way from her NY days selling me fabric when I worked at J. Crew. Check out her web site, www.riaray.com, and read more about her spiritual healing retreats, view her beautiful paintings, and shop for mantra ties. Her ties are also available locally at Fred Segal Santa Monica and Marie Mason Apothecary at the Brentwood Country Mart. So tie one on and breathe...