As one of the hottest, and most surprising, trends of winter 2010, many critics and wholesale clothing manufacturers felt Ikat prints would be remembered as little more than a 2010 wardrobe one-hit wonder. Much to the astonishment of the aforementioned, the vibrant, playful fabrics remained a strong trend throughout the summer months, as part of one of this summer's hottest styles, the tribal print. They returned in winter 2011 as a splash of colour to warm and brighten the cooler months, available from ladieswear wholesalers in the season's top colour trends. Paired with last year's warming winter palate; chic coffee tones, vibrant honeysuckle hues and calming shades of nougat, the often garish prints were tamed into a seasonal vision of understated elegance. Whether inkblot an, or an abstract floral, they blazed with a fiery ethnic vibe but the fickle nature of the fashion world meant this success wasn't to last.
Winter 2011 was a fast-paced, volatile season for fashion, as a plethora of trends made their rise and fall over just a few months while wholesale ladies clothing manufacturers, ladieswear wholesalers and continental fashion houses were forced to keep speed. With the turn of the year, Ikat fell as a victim of this trend, with its successor a huge hit on the catwalks of New York Fashion Week - Paisley prints are, without doubt, the first major style for 2012, and it has been championed by wholesale ladies clothing manufacturers, ladieswear wholesalers and continental fashion houses alike.
The design finds its origins in India, Pakistan and Persia, where it was used as a vegetable motif in traditional patterns throughout the region. While it was introduced to Europe in the 17th century and popularised by the early textile printing processes that had only just become possible, the name is derived from the Scottish town that became the design's foremost producers in the 19th century.
Such a striking design will always be a daring fashion gambit, and it is important to remember that the patterns quickly become dizzying in too large a quantity, and to pair more vibrant pieces with monochromes and simple accessories for an elegant but vivacious style. Alternatively, for a safer bet, turn heads in a plainer outfit with one of the Paisley print handbags or clutches championed by wholesale clothing manufacturers worldwide.
Paisley is a fun and playful trend, and a much needed escape from the overwrought high-octane glamour of 2011. Whether it's the cotton dresses of Jil Sander's collection, or the frolicking pyjama styles seen at Stella McCartney, Paisley is a bright and youthful trend, and a beam of sunlight to penetrate the dark winter months.
