Is wearing a rug hot or not? Sounds so so, doesn’t it? Well, you will be taken aback to find out it is hot literally and figuratively! Doris Leslie Blau wants you to discover the rug-inspired fashion.
The circle of fashion
This year has brought us a brand new portion of love vicissitudes of the hilarious Miss Bridget Jones but do you remember the first movie, particularly the scene in which she visits her parents for Christmas? Yes, the one where she meets Mark Darcy and sees him humbly wearing a reindeer sweater from his mom. Right before that historic encounter we’re given an epic quote which says practically everything about Bridget’s outfit for the evening.
“Great. I was wearing a carpet.”
… has entered the popular culture as a synonym of the obsolete taste of elderly mothers. However, times have changed and fashion has come full circle. Recently, rugs have hit the runaways and found their place not underneath models’ feet but on their slender bodies. Just take a look!
Doris Leslie Blau vintage rug
Boho style loves rugs
Of course, there is also boho style. Having started its career somewhere around the 19th century, the trend experienced its revival in the 70s’ and enjoys a sky-rocketing popularity until this day. Boho is all about kilim patterns as it derives from traditional tribal aesthetics. Native inhabitants of both Americas, Africa and India wore carpet-based outfits before it was cool .The same applies to the Scandinavian design – who does not love simple yet ingenious forms that make you feel closer to nature? Ponchos, dresses, capes, coats or bags adorned with original rug patterns are an absolute must when you want to go full boho! It appears, carpets are more important in our lives than anyone would expect. Carpet diem!
Surprised? Just until you see how it actually looks on models. No one said that you have to take an actual carpet and turn it into a piece of clothing. In certain cases it works that way, but most of the times it would be a terrible waste to cut up a vintage deco rug or, what is worse, an original antique Persian Tabriz just to make something else of it. Antique and vintage rugs constitute a perfect whole just as they are and as such they have always been a huge source of inspiration.
Doris Leslie Blau vintage Moroccan rug
Rugs on the runways
What is so captivating about those weaving masterpieces which very often happen to be more than 100 years old? Someone may consider them outdated and old-fashioned. The most beautiful thing is precisely their timelessness, we reckon. Designs, motifs, colors, knots, embroideries, natural materials, craftsmanship – all these elements combined result in an unmatched quality and irresistible appeal. The tycoons of fashion industry must have finally noticed this unlimited potential. Let’s take Burberry, which in 2014 winter collection featured deco carpet-like ponchos and capes. Also the Burberry fashion house, being fond of strong patterns, set up a trend for carpet bags, or Kilim bags as they are sometimes called, which turned out to be a tremendous success.
Not only did the product appeal to the female clientele but also it managed to conquer the masculine audience’s hearts. In other words – kilims made a killing. On the other hand, Dolce&Gabbana – the absolute tastemaker and fashion dictator – in the 2014-2015 fall/winter collection introduced a mesmerizing line inspired with antique French carpets motifs. Baroque flower prints, heavy embroideries and the usage of quality materials, such as the finest silk, strongly allude to weaving wonders from the Aubusson and Savonnerie workshops. Even the king of France would not go past this indifferently 😉
It seems that within the last couple of years rugs have been elevated from the floors to the backs with flying colors. We are not talking here solely about a DIY situation where an artful and resourceful seamstress decides to turn her surplus Swedish flat-weave into a piece of winter garment. Guys, rugs are haute couture! Ok, maybe it is not that shocking – after all, high fashion usually features extraordinary solutions which, despite their artistic value and masterful execution, are barely wearable. We’re going to shock you right this time – rugs are prêt-à-porter.
Surprised? Just until you see how it actually looks on models. No one said that you have to take an actual carpet and turn it into a piece of clothing. In certain cases it works that way, but most of the times it would be a terrible waste to cut up a vintage deco rug or, what is worse, an original antique Persian Tabriz just to make something else of it. Antique and vintage rugs constitute a perfect whole just as they are and as such they have always been a huge source of inspiration.
P.S If Bridget Jones knew what we know now, she probably wouldn’t be so discontent with her mother’s gift – it proved to be ahead of its time. You should always listen to your mum, she knows the good stuff! So do we, at DLB 😉
