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Rough Luxe Fashion-The Art of Kantha

By 13 Comments

I am a fan of anything repurposed, recycled or reinterpreted. Anything that has some history and lived a former life as something else intrigues me. I am particularly intrigued how artists are reinterpreting Kantha into fashion-forward clothing and decor for the home.
 

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So what is Kantha exactly? Kantha is a type of embroidery from India and parts of Asia. They are made up of discarded garments or cloths.  Old saris are stacked on one other and hand-stitched to make a thin piece of cushion. Kantha was originally created for the practical purpose of keeping warm.  You can read more about the history of kantha here

In the last few years we have seen Kantha Quilts repurposed as pillows…

Image result for kantha pillows
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The Art of Kantha in Furnishings

vintage kantha chair

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ottomans and pillows bohemian style:
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The Art of Kantha in Fashion

You can find them on Ebay and Etsy but never as artfully crafted as those by Mieko Mintz for Artful Home.  These are statement pieces that you might spluge on once a year. Christmas is coming!  Mieko Mintz’s creations are what drew me to Artful Home in the first place.

Here are some of my favorites from her collection from Artful Home. I am still stewing over this one. I am sucker for anything with polka dots

Dot & Paisley Circular Vest by Mieko Mintz (Cotton Vest) | Artful Home:
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This one is on order for me.  Can’t wait to receive it! Did I mention that they are reversible?  Even though they are pricey you are actually getting two looks for the price of one.

This exquisite reversible vest wows with its vivid coloration. Traditional kantha quilting and all-over embroidery add stunning detail. Serpent Vest by Mieko Mintz: Silk and Cotton Vest available at www.artfulhome.com:       Serpent Vest by Mieko Mintz. This exquisite reversible vest wows with its vivid coloration. One side has a reticulated pattern created using shibori hand dyeing, while the other side features a subtle ombré gradient. Traditional kantha quilting and all-over embroidery add stunning detail.:
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I am crazy about this simple jacket . Note the lovely button. Wouldn’t this be a fun jacket for Thanksgiving Day?

Simple Jacket #7 by Mieko Mintz. Combining the streamlined styling of a classic blazer with the exquisite beauty of vintage cotton saris, this jacket is a dramatic statement piece. Fully reversible for two unique looks, it is sewn in New York from four layers of cotton fabric pieced in India using traditional kantha quilting techniques.:
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Some of her creations have a completely different look when reversed like this two-layer flare dress.  I would wear the black with a turtleneck or tee as a jumper in winter.  The red could be worn in the summer with sandals as shown.

Two-Layer Tank Flare Dress by Mieko Mintz. This fully reversible dress wows with its bold pattern and dramatic details. In an international collaboration, it's sewn in New York from fabric designed by the artist and pieced in India using traditional kantha quilting techniques.:         Two-Layer Tank Flare Dress by Mieko Mintz (Cotton Dress) | Artful Home:
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While some are very subtle like this ombre jacket.

Serpent Ombre A-Line Jacket: Serpent Ombré A-Line Jacket by Mieko Mintz. This sumptuous yet lightweight jacket wows with its fully reversible design and exquisite hand-dyeing. On one side, an intriguing reticulated pattern is created using shibori dyeing techniques, while the other side features a subtle ombré gradient. Sewn in New York from fabric pieced in India using traditional kantha quilting techniques and all-over embroidery.:
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If you are looking for an investment piece to add some interest to your wardrobe essentials take a peek at the Mieko Mintz collection for Artful Home here. You won’t find a larger selection anywhere. Would you like to add a little Rough Luxe Fashion (the art of kantha) to your wardrobe?

I have been compensated for this post by Artful Home but the thoughts and ideas are my own.

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Comments

  5. La Contessa says

    I own TWO which I purchased at The REMNANTS SHOW last SPRING……..so you could say I have FOUR!As they are reversible!
    I have something funny to share with YOU shall email!

  6. Holly Boyle says

    Found my first Kantha in Cardiff by the Sea a couple of years ago. It now is like an old friend at naptime. Cuddle up with my little dogs and snooze. Love the creative ideas with using it in different ways. Thanks!

  7. Karen says

    I love the look and the "story" behind the materials they are made from. In addition, I've always been a fan of items that are quilted. I might have to put this on the Christmas wish list.
    xo,
    Karen

  9. Marsha Splenderosa says

    These are absolutely wonderful, Cindy !!
    I didn't know about the shop, but will hop over there right now. Recently I saw some hooked rugs, like for my kitchen, made with scraps of Sari's. So beautiful. Now, I seriously regret not getting that red one !!!

  11. home before dark says

    I told my husband it was your fault I had to order my second Mieko Mintz vest. I bought one for a trip to France and it was wonderful: lightweight, but warm, great for plane travel. You may be a sucker for polka dots, but the red/black (reversible is twice as nice!) had been calling my name. If anyone out there is on the fence for Mintz's work, don't be. You will be rewarded with a one of a kind piece of flattering art.

    • Cindy says

      They are wonderful aren't they? I turned my sister onto Mieko as well. P.S tell your husband they are cheaper than diamonds!!

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