Emma Stergoulis Design
- Apr 13, 2012
- 2 min read

Tie Dye – add a little bit of Hippy

Image sourced from D*hub.org

When I think of tie dye I have a flash back to student days where you had a cheap batik or tie dye sarong attached to the wall of some less than desirable student accommodation to hide the bulk painted magnolia and wood chip walls.

Whilst I would not want to suggest that everyone grab a pack of joss sticks and re live the 70’s, tie dye has been making a slow comeback in a very subtle and stylish way. Like chocolate and a good bottle of wine, to give the desired effect it is perhaps at it’s best when used in moderation, giving a pretty up to date and funky look to your interior.

Here are some of my favourites:

Tie Dye Japanese Style

Images sourced from Shibori.com

Shibori is a Japanese term for methods of dyeing cloth by binding, stitching, folding, twisting, and compressing. Shibori artists would argue, however, that Shibori is much more of an art form and skill than the western terminology of “tie dye” would allude to. In Japan, the earliest known example of cloth dyed with the shibori technique dates back to the 8th century where indigo was the main dye used.

Sydney based duo Karen Davis and Pepa Martin have taken this ancient technique and moved it into the 21st century with their business Shibori. The duo use their design training to work together with architects and interior designers and stylists to create very unique one off talking pieces. From cushions to corporate offices, parties to leather products nothing is off limits for the girls signature technique. (images below sourced from Shibori.com)

From homewares (above) to commercial spaces in collaboration with Stylist Sibella Court at the Beresford in Sydney’s Surry Hills (below). I just love the tie dye trunk.