paisley

Celebrity Style

Solange Knowles Makes a Paisley Print Superfashionable

When Solange Knowles wore a paisley print Stella McCartney from the Spring 2012 collection to a party in NYC, we knew it was time to start exploring equally fab paisley dresses.

When Solange Knowles wore a paisley print Stella McCartney from the Spring 2012 collection to a party in NYC, we knew it was time to start exploring equally fab paisley dresses. Leave it to the fashionable DJ to add major cool to her dress via chunky silver jewels. A chain-link bracelet, cutout cuff, and spiked bangle, as well as a bevy of silver rings, served as her baubles of choice for the evening. Solange then added edge to her feet with buckle-detailed black sandals and carried a metallic clutch. If you've overlooked paisley up until now, allow Solange's ensemble to inspire you to add paisley dresses to your closet. Just don't forget to pile on the accessories as they'll help lend further cool to your look. To get started, shop our favorite paisley dresses in the widget below.

Spring Fashion

Paisley Prints Get a Second Chance For Spring

The psychedelic motif of the '60s and '70s has transformed into a fresh, modern way to wear prints for Spring '12.
Shop the Paisley Trend For Spring 2012

The psychedelic motif of the '60s and '70s has transformed into a fresh, modern way to wear prints for Spring '12. Runways were full of the swirly, kidney-shaped pattern, and designers like Jil Sander, Stella McCartney, Etro, and more showed the in-your-face print on dresses, tops, and even jumpsuits. Paisley has largely Indian and Iranian roots, and interest in the print really flourished after the pilgrimage of the Beatles to India in 1968 (fun fact: it originally started out as a menswear print). Whether you choose a vibrant top or dress, or get a pop of paisley via a silk scarf or pair of earrings, you don't want to miss out on this playful, totally groovy print. Click through now to see and shop 15 of our favorite iterations for the coming season.

roundup

An Update on Jane Eyre's Paisleys

Have you seen Jane Eyre yet?

Have you seen Jane Eyre yet? I escaped for a few hours this weekend to take in a matinee of the historical romance, and it was full of decorating eye candy. In this scene, my eye was first drawn to the damask upholstery in this carriage, but it soon wandered to the paisley pattern on Jane's shawl. 
Paisley is infinitely adaptable, and many of the modern interpretations of the pattern feature a single teardrop-shaped swoop on a textile or pillow. Check out some fun paisley designs below.

Shopping

Sale Alert: Up to 50% Off at West Elm

Just when I thought I'd gotten my shopping fix, West Elm had to go and host another unbelievable sale.

Just when I thought I'd gotten my shopping fix, West Elm had to go and host another unbelievable sale. The modern decor brand has unleashed savings up to 50 percent off of items in every category, including new products! One of my favorites is the new Shelley Goldberg Island Paisley Rug ($90-$500, reduced from $130-$750). Designed by artist Shelley Goldberg, with a large scale floral pattern in deep orange, rusty red, and dusty pink, it's a fun, modern take on staid paisley prints. Better yet, its background features one of my favorite hues as of late: gray!

From furniture to bedding to entertaining items, there are plenty of other items to snatch up in the sale. Here are a few more of my favorites:

Look of the Day

Look of the Day: Pretty Paisley Prints

Mkoesnadi is jungle chic in pretty paisley prints.

Mkoesnadi is jungle chic in pretty paisley prints. She's mastered the casual vibe of a blazer thrown over a femme little dress. And she's got mad styling skills — she cinches the whole thing with a belt and doesn't skimp on stellar accessories, from her gladiators to her luxe tote.

Here's what she has on:

Blazer: Wishdrobe
Dress: BCBG MaxAzria
Necklace: Forever 21
Bangles: Armani Exchange
Bag: Prada
Shoes: Far East Plaza (Singapore)

Congrats Mkoesnadi!

Everyone else, join the Look of the Day group, then submit your looks. I might feature you on FabSugar!


Poll

Do You Decorate With Paisley?

I have to say, I'm a little in love with this silk upholstered Simone Paisley Sofa ($4,999).

I have to say, I'm a little in love with this silk upholstered Simone Paisley Sofa ($4,999). I doubt that I could pull off such a bold design in my home, but I do think that a pretty paisley can really liven up a room, whether it's used in a throw or a pillow.

Shopping

Shopping: Dark Paisley Dresses

When the fall color palette starts to feel dull, try a rich wintery print to enliven your wardrobe.

When the fall color palette starts to feel dull, try a rich wintery print to enliven your wardrobe. We love the look of a romantic paisley frock worn with black tights and ankle boots or platforms. Throw over your investment outerwear--perhaps a 1940's-inspired coat or a brave statement fur--and you'll stand out in the sea of black and navy.

Celeb Style

Roundup: Pret-a-Paisley

Why so sad, Eli Stone?

Why so sad, Eli Stone? You look so handsome on your paisley throw. So good, in fact, you reminded me of how much I love the droplet-shaped veggie motif. It's not only Yours Truly who has a thing for the comma-esque shape: paisley is one of the most recognized patterns in the world, and has been for some time. Paisley originated in Persia and India in the 17th century and is still widely popular in Iran and South and Central Asia today.

I decided to see if any of my home decor haunts had come up with some crave worthy paisley designs, and the voyage was a success! There are dozens of gorgeous paisley designs around these days, including pillows, throws, bedding, and even trays! If I can't transport myself to the sofa beside Eli, I guess this is the next best thing. To see my finds, read more

Etro

The Family Print at Etro

When Gimmo Etro founded founded the company in 1968 it was as a small textile division specializing in silks and satins, so its no surprise that the Spring 2009 collection included many fine silks in the houses signature paisley print.

When Gimmo Etro founded founded the company in 1968 it was as a small textile division specializing in silks and satins, so its no surprise that the Spring 2009 collection included many fine silks in the houses signature paisley print. The Spring 2009 collection was filled with just the sort of St. Tropez bohemian wear that never gets old for a certain kind of lady. Whether she lives a live of leisure or works hard for the privileges these clothes clearly say I have more time to consider yacht options.

Its not intellectual taxing but simply good fashion fun, the kind that unabashedly borrows from other cultures (in this case the paisley is an ancient Indian tradition inspired by the palm tree) because really why should we have to work? After all, reconstituting and repurposing is plenty taxing. And really we don't mean to be glib, knowing how to remix a cultural artifact into current relevance is tricky.

Its comforting to know that an old school textile famiglia can still succeed in the cutthroat world of luxury. The Etro clan includes Kean the creative director of the fashion house, Jacopo who deals with the textiles division and foreign affairs, Ippolito who manages company administrative and finance, and Veronica who is in charge of the design.

patchwork

Inspired: Patchwork and Paislies Scarf

FabSugar recently issued a Trend Alert on modern patchwork in fashion.


FabSugar recently issued a Trend Alert on modern patchwork in fashion. I've been noticing this same trend in the home world as well. Since it's easy to err on the side of hippie excess, I advise starting slowly with this trend, and then gradually adding more accessories if you like the way patchwork or paisley accents update your home. My advice? Go for unusual color combinations and updated, fresh hues. While I generally love earth tones, they're going to look too outdated in a patchwork pillow or floor rug. Tell me, do you already have patchwork and paisley in your home? If not, are you interested in adding some?

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