Ikat Shirt and Skirt

This shirt confused us for a few reasons. First, it wasn’t found in the catalog because that page had accidentally not been scanned into the archive (we make no guarantees!!). An astute fan pointed it out (Thanks, Gary!). Secondly, the buttons are on the traditionally “male” right side (we are easily confused by this tradition…). In any case, we can now present the Ikat Shirt and Skirt! Thanks to Kimberlee English Anderson for bringing it to our attention and helping to ponder.

From the Fall 1988 catalogue: “To understand Indonesian ikat (EE-cot) is to fully appreciate a fabric and a process. Before dyeing, yarn is set up on a look and tightly wrapped with dye-resistant ties.  The dye seeps beneath the ties, creating patterns that fuse and feather. We love the soft, imperfect look of irate stripes-a reminder that things made by hand are as individual as handprints.” 

Ikat Stripe Shirt: “Or original ikat stripe pattern, shaped into a loose, full overskirt modeled after one we saw on a street vendor in Recife, Brazil. Side vented and banded collar for minimum confinement.” 

Ikat Stripe Skirt: “A comfortable knee-length skirt to pair with our Irate Stripe Shirt. Slightly gathered beneath a five-inch-deep yoke, with a flexible, non-roll elastic waistband. Pull on; dance off.”

Photos from eBay October 2020 and Poshmark.

Ikat Shirt (eggplant)

Ikat Skirt (eggplant)

Ikat Skirt (khaki)