Face Mask Fashion From Around The World

 

Nigerian face mask fashion

Armored up and blinged out true Nollywood style! 

As health officials and government leaders around the globe have been taking precautionary  measures to  ‘flatten the curve’, fashionistas world-wide have started to fall in line in their own creative way.

What started out as a safety measure, in a seemingly short time, became yet another way to express ones self while aiding in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.  And although mostly a trending safety protocol for now, we have a feeling it’s an accessory that’s here to stay awhile.  As such, we thought it would be fun to virtually travel around the world for a little inspiration capturing. After all, if it’s going to become part of our daily ensemble, we might as well make it the creative tool of individual expression and fashion it can certainly be.

Industrial Hemp: One Of The Most Eco-Friendly Fabrics In The World

 

With the popularity in and demand for Industrial Hemp on the rise, everyone from fabric manufacturers, sustainable textile advocates and designers, to artisans, young entrepreneurs, and DIY crafters are discovering creative ways to cash in on the cannabis crop. But what is all the buzz about? And what are the benefits of this strand of hemp?

Industrial Hemp comes from the same Cannabis Sativa family of plants as its more notable female cousin, CBD Hemp…aka Mary Jane. The main difference between Industrial Hemp and CBD Hemp is that Industrial Hemp contains only traces of the psychoactive THC that has made its cousin famous. What makes Industrial Hemp special however, is what’s hidden in its fibers.

MacKenzie Childs Inspired DIY Home Decor

 

Inspired by the whimsical and quirky stylings of MacKenzie Childs, the mixing and matching of complimentary palates with contrasting prints offers a baseline theme to build creatively on in this inspiring layout featuring stripes, plaids, and polka dots in a pastel color wave.

Vibrantly hued accents are like candy for the eyes! Orange and pink polka dots provide a playful contrast to both the granny apple green /white swirls and the black/white stripes. An accent table goes from so-so to so-fun when embellished with rickrack-bordered fabric on top and coordinating print on the drawer facing. A no-sew striped pillow cover offers an added comfort to a seating staple. Accented with black beaded trim, the flirty lampshade in pink/white offers is share of feminine charm. For eye-catching artwork that can be hung on a wall or placed on a tabletop, fuse your choice of fabric onto an artist canvas and applique a flower in the center.

 

Ethical Fashions, Peace Silk & Tosheka Designs

 

Every once and awhile as we conduct research online for  information, new innovations and stories within the textile industry to develop and share with you, we stumble on unique individuals and companies doing interesting and often times fascinating things with fabric around the world. One such company is Tosheka Designs.

From Fungi to Fashion.

 

'Mushroom dress' created by Dutch textile designer Aniele Hoitink. Courtesy Aniela Hoitink / Neffa

At first glance Dutch textile designer Aniele Hoitink’s ‘Mushroom Dress’ looks to be made of some kind of light tissue lame or crushed sheer, but mushrooms? What’s next!?

Known as ‘muskin’, this leather like material is made from spores extracted from the upper button or ‘hat’ of the phellinus ellipsoideus mushroom through a process similar used for animal leather but without the use of tanning toxins or other chemicals, making it 100% natural. In addition to the material from the hat, the fleshy underpart, or root of the mushroom yields a fine, thread-like fabric of cells called mycelium. Found in several other variety of mushrooms, this wearable fiber has been weaved to create everything from clothing to accessories.

Decorate With Duralee at J&O Fabrics

duralee collection at jandofabrics

 

Returning from World War II to NYC, Lenny Silberman faced changing times. As a result, he found himself answering an ad in The New York Times promising “a HUGE opportunity” as a textile shipping clerk for $35 a week. He landed the job and went to night school to expand his industry knowledge and learn the fine art of selling. Together with his two partners and seven other hands-on employees, Silberman eventually launched Duralee Fabrics in 1952 from an office smaller than most modern-day walk-in closets.

Ruth Carter’s Wakanda Wonderland

When I went to see Marvel’s Black Panther  movie, I went with a mission…. to see and be inspired by Ruth Carter’s creative manifestation of  Marvel Studio’s  artistic concepts in all its masterful glory.  I was not disappointed. From the alluring grandiosity of Zulu-inspired headpieces worn by Wakanda’s queen mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett) and the eye-poppingly ornate armor adorned with chevron print worn by the all-female based warriors, to Nakia’s (Lupita Nyongo) sumptuously textured, kente cloth-inspired green gown that seemed to mold to her form, the creative collaboration of both visionaries left theater goers in awe and aspiring designers wanting more from Ruth.

Celebrating African Fabric Textile Contributions !

jandofabrics

 

As Americans celebrate the inventions and legacies of Africans / African-Americans throughout history this month, reflections of their art, history and cultural traditions can be found in almost every aspect of our society. In recognition of their traditional African fabric textile contributions,  the J&O Family would like to take a moment to highlight some of the beautiful waxed prints and metallics available for your crafting and quilting pleasure.

Her Name Is Indigo.

jandofabrics

 

When we think about African fabric design, rarely do we as consumers give much thought as to the history, craft, and meaning behind the symbols, patterns, or design elements we see. Instead we ‘ooh‘ and ‘aah‘ at the bright colors and creative print, thinking about what we can make with this, what we can do with that . But until we have the opportunity to see its manifestation from concept to completion, we will never really appreciate the finished textile  that seems to silently whisper…i am special, buy me!

jandofabrics

Category Of The Month: African Fabric

Widely appreciated for their craftsmanship and vibrant colors, the textile and designs of African fabric often create the kind of appeal that inspires breathtaking traditional garments,  eclectic home  decor, memorable celebratory events  and more. From waxed metallic cottons most popular in Nigeria and other West African countries, to traditional Kente from Ghana and Bogolanfini mud cloth from Mali, the creative uses offer a multitude of options to satisfying an array of project needs not only for special occasions, but everyday use as well.