Friday 8 April 2011

THE APPLIQUE NEVER FALLS FAR FROM THE TREE

What is applique??? Essentially, it involves the sewing of one fabric over another to create a picture, texture, pattern or design. Applique was first used as a way to mend flaws in old garments and was traditionally only ever used as such, but throughout later periods of history applique became an art form to enhance, or even, to become the centre piece of a design itself.

However, something you may not have known is that applique has deep roots in west-african culture, and that applique is - in a sense - a symbol of Africa.


As you may have noticed, Rosenwerth has a current obsession with the 1940's style period, a period that is most popularly revisited for that 'vintage' look because it was a unique period in history where women's fashion was both beautiful and comfortable. This decade also happened to be rife with applique and other embellishments that were previously seen as 'wayward' or simply wouldn't have been considered due to fabric shortages during the war. Look at these photos and notice the prolific use of applique in different parts of the garments, in particular in the hats.



So in celebration of the 'African-ness' of applique and our deep reverance for 1940's fashion and the significance of this era in the women's liberation struggle, Rosenwerth is turning its attention to applique. Here are some examples of the hand-crafted applique coming from our work-room. We are heading in a very exciting direction.

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