Gothic Fashion Style: Patchwork Outfit from Boring to Fun

As the movie The Devil Wears Prada made it all very clear, floral prints for Spring-Summer are anything but ground-breaking. But one trend that has forced the florals and foliage of both Spring and Summer with something more exciting, more fun and fresher, is what Meryl Streep name-dropped it way back in 2006…patchwork. This newest patchwork trend has given rise to a new brand of designs—an exciting, remixed and maximalist one. Spring-summer floral prints are making way for the alternative dresses, tie-dye and patchwork designs.

Till a few days back, patchwork clothing was considered dated and boring, but with the introduction of this trend on the ramps, people have started coming back to this trend.

Patchwork has come a long way from being just a work to make quilts or to design a pair of jeans, breaking the norms. In this article we would explore the patchwork trend in details and curate a list of some of the best pieces.

History behind patchwork

Patchwork dates back to around 5,000 years to early age Chinese and Egyptian tombs. Typically used to make quilts, the patchwork technique can be used to make clothes, wall hangings, bags, and other clothing items.

Patchwork quilts are a popular piece of global history, found in most cultures across the globe. Which was once considered a sign of poverty, the patchwork pieces are now treasured heirlooms.

Patchwork became a street fashion in the 1960s, and has continued till today – moulding itself and presenting in a variety of forms across many high street retailers. The innovative patterns that it generates make it a perfect and staple piece for both in your home and in fashion.

There are mainly two forms in which patchwork is mainly found- strips and blocks. While pieces of square materials make up patchwork blocks, that are assembled in a multitude of patterns and sewn together in rows to make a bigger composition, strip patchwork, on the other hand, involves piecing longer strips of the fabric side-by-side, together, to give a pleasing aesthetic.

The Hippie Movement of the 1960s and the alternative fashion

Like the aesthetics of the 19th Century, the new bohemians discarded the negative results of consumerism and mass production. They also denied the roles and responsibilities that are devoted by the society.

The bohemians chose an alternative way of living, and practised dressing in recycled clothing and folk dresses. Colourful and nice patchwork skirts and tie-die skirts with plain white tees and shirts. Men would prefer loose pants and tie-die shirts. The look that they created were all creative, fantastic and of course individualistic.

The hippies incorporated fashion from military surplus and other cultures into strange combinations, and created a new fashion statement. While the skirts and scarves were influenced by traditional European dressing, kaftans from the Middle Eastern regions, some other from the Native Americans, and so on. What the resultant style was created, was exotic, unstructured and fun.

Some patchwork styles to look out for

If women’s Gothic dresses aren’t your thing, you can definitely fall back upon alternative dresses.

Playsuit with assorted patchwork:

Playful and breezy, this is a great summer companion. Pair it with a black tee and may be a pendant and you are all good to go.

Patchwork dress:

An asymmetric dress like this is so much fun. Choose to wear it with a top or just like that. It has two pockets and is a great wear for summer brunches.

Dress Mini Tali Patchwork:

Short dress? Check. Patchwork? Check. Spaghetti sleeves? Check. Everything sassy that you need in your outfit is present in this dress. It is eccentric and super comfortable.

Dungaree Rayon Assorted Patchwork:

This dungaree is easy to wear, has two side pockets and is colourful. Slip it on in a jiffy as soon as your friends ask you to meet.