| First, a clarification: Art of Cloth is not tie-dye. Sure, the black, archetypal patterns splashed across a riot of color may look like it, but the process is far more complex. “We are unique — we are shibori, and it is far more sophisticated than tie-dye,” Art of Cloth founder Rose Corrick says when describing itajime shibori, a Japanese technique she uses to remove and recast dyes in her successful line of rayon/ lycra and jersey separates. In 2000, Corrick left a successful 25-year career in interior design to pursue a love of textiles that stretches back to her undergraduate training in textile design. She didn’t know how to make a living in the industry or the newest techniques, so she renewed her training through workshops and began to design for an audience of one: herself. “I am my customer,” Corrick says. “I am interested in expressing myself, so my clothes need to be flattering and have an artistic edge: asymmetry, a hand-made quality, pattern, texture and color.” The look and versatility of shibori intrigued Corrick, and she began to experiment with the dye patterns she could create through the clever use of clamps, twists and clips. She experimented with textile mediums and sales outlets until she finally settled on an equation that grew her business and satiated her creativity by selling casual separates through wholesale fairs. “Women want clothing they can express themselves in but not spend a fortune on,” she says. The Art of Cloth fall line maintains the comfort and casualness of previous seasons but expands into richer color palettes and introduces a wider range of pieces in the form of asymmetrical tops, skirts and jackets. Then there are Corrick’s best-selling standby of T-shirts and wraps. With a presence in 400 stores nationwide, the label now sustains itself enough for Corrick to push her creative edge for the next wave of Art of Cloth: new dye techniques and embellishments such as embroidery and quilting on mixtures of silk, linen and jersey. “It’s more than just the cloth and garment; it’s about the personal journey,” Corrick says. “I am learning on a daily basis, and I am attracting to me incredible people who are on similar paths.” |
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Cloth Work Unusual techniques, comfortable fabrics and vibrant colors allow Rose Corrick to produce intricate pieces that are perfect for women who want to express themselves. Her fall line keeps her popular T-shirts and wraps but adds other wardrobe staples such as skirts, dresses and jackets. For more information, visit artofcloth.com |
To Dye For
Art of Cloth’s sophisticated dyeing process offers an artistic edge while keeping comfort in mind.
