Designer's Journal

Father’s Day is the perfect occasion to show your father how much you love them. Finding the perfect gift that conveys your love for your father can be difficult, but by choosing a gift that gives back to both the artisans and the environment, you can make a positive impact in the world while also gifting your father something special. When picking a gift for your father, take notice of the items, he frequently wears, then use those items as a guide when shopping for him. When you’re ready to get shopping check out some of our favorite sustainable products!

Want to get your father something unique? This bow tie is made from cork, yes, the same material as wine corks. Cork is a sustainable material from trees in Portugal and extremely durable. All of Queork’s products are made in New Orleans. A cork bow tie is a perfect gift for the father who loves funky clothing. Order yours online or if you live in New Orleans visit their stores on 3005 Magazine Street or 383 Charters Street.

 

Every man needs a good pair of boots, especially a pair that can be worn for many different occasions. Oliberté, a Fair Trade corporation and a B-corporation, makes all their shoes in their factory in Ethiopia. The Adibo Chukka can be worn to both to the office and during the weekend making it the perfect gift for the busy father. 

Update your dad’s style by gifting him a new wallet. This wallet, the Rubben, from Matt and Nat is made from vegan leather. Matt and Nat is a vegan leather goods company that puts emphasis on sustainability and ethical factories.

Gift your father a brand a new shirt to make sure he always looks stylish when leaving the house. With the weather warming a comfortable, cotton button down is the perfect item for barbeques, baseball games, and the office. For a subtler print, the Salmon Ikat goes with everything. The Cobalt Blue shirt’s deep blue color echoes the ocean making it perfect for those lazy summer days down by the ocean.

 

Festival season is here once again, and most of us are thrilled and ready to go. You may already have plenty of festival gear stocked up from previous adventures, or this could be your very first time at a big music fest. Either way, it’s important that your festival gear is up to date if you want to get the most out of the experience.

Looking for a brand new festival outfit that will keep you cool and comfortable, while also showing off your style? Need to know the essential gear that will take your festival experience to the next level? We have the perfect festival gear guide for you!

Your Comprehensive Festival Gear Guide

Camping out at music festivals can be one of the biggest highlights of the entire event. However, if you haven’t planned ahead of time, it could very well be the worst.

Whether you’re on the road, in the air, or already on the festival grounds, there’s nothing worse than realizing you’ve forgotten a phone charger, bug spray, or any other important item. There are many everyday objects we take for granted that can turn a fun time into a downer if they’re left behind, as well as things you would only need at a festival that you might not think about until it’s too late.

Instead, plan ahead of time and make sure you know exactly what you want to bring. With the right festival gear guide, the only thing you’ll have to worry about during the show is which act to see first.

Festival Outfits

Planning your festival outfit should be one of the funnest parts about going to a music festival. Music is about expressing ourselves, so the more you show off your style and creativity, the more you’ll get into the spirit of the event.

Whether you’re going for ‘90s grunge, boho hippie, or eco-friendly fashion, it’s important to consider comfort as much as style. No matter how great you look, if your outfit is uncomfortable, you’ll be miserable and wishing you had on a t-shirt and tennis shoes instead.

You don’t have to dress plainly to be comfortable. Choose outfits that are made of soft, breathable materials to keep you cool while dancing. And don’t forget a few long-sleeve tops or full-length bottoms in case the nights get chilly or you need to cover a sunburn after your first day.

Dresses

Neoma Blue Kaftan from Passion Lilie, $86.00

Dresses are a great option if you choose a lightweight cotton fabric that allows you to stay comfortable dancing late into the night. Look for fabrics made of 100% cotton if you don’t want to deal with your clothes sticking to your body during the day. Artistic designs and eye-catching details, such as tassels or zippers, can help you really stand out from the crowd.

Shorts and Tops

Playful Blue Shorts from Passion Lilie, $49.00

A pair of shorts and a gorgeous crop top or halter top is always a go-to festival outfit. This will keep you cool in the daytime, while throwing on a lightweight wrap or jacket at night will help keep you warm. If you want a little more coverage, you can’t go wrong with a nice, flowy pair of pants at a festival—especially with a fun design. Choose a nice pair of shorts or pants with pockets, and you’ll be thanking yourself for the extra storage space.

Comfortable Shoes

It may seem obvious, but heels or boots that haven’t been broken in aren’t the best choice when you’re on your feet all day. But something you might not think about is bringing shoes that are easy to clean. Don’t bring your favorite pair of Nikes, or you risk getting them muddy if it rains. Instead, choose festival footwear that is comfortable, cute, and easy to clean, like these Wayfarer sandals or these stylish wellies.

Daytime Festival Gear

Hydration Backpack

Hydration backpacks are not just for hikers. Being able to carry all your essentials—plus have a refillable water pack close at hand—is a major win for any festival goer. Keeping hydrated is incredibly important when you’re spending all day at a festival, and these packs not only double as storage, but make sure you’re not heading back to your tent early with a headache. With so many gorgeous patterns available now, you can pick a pack that goes with any of your festival outfits.

Water Bottle and Vitamin C Supplement

Speaking of staying hydrated, it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to combat exhaustion and just feeling sick overall. If you decide against a hydration backpack or want a little extra water to share with friends, bring a water bottle and keep it filled. A collapsible water bottle is a great option, as it can clip right onto your backpack and be flattened to save space. Vitamin C supplements like Emergen-C are smart additions to your water supply as well, helping you stay healthy and your immune system stay strong.

Fanny Packs

Fanny packs have been a go-to festival statement for years—and for good reason. These bags are light enough to carry, snap snugly around your waist, and allow you to have all your essentials within easy access at all times. Pick a bright color like this holographic fanny pack to add to your outfit as a part of your statement-making style.

Toiletries and Other Camping Accessories

You may know the toiletries you need on a daily basis, but some items such as towels, sunscreen, bugspray, hand sanitizer, and dry shampoo can really make your festival experience more comfortable. Bring along some trash bags and paper towels to help keep you and your area clean as well. Baby wipes can be a huge festival lifesaver, even helping you keep your face clean from dirt and sweat. And don’t forget earplugs! Use them during the day to protect your hearing and at night so you can get some sleep.

Nighttime Festival Gear

Tent and Sleeping Bag

If you’re camping out overnight for several days, you want to make sure you have the right festival gear to keep you secure and well-rested. Choose a tent that is easy to put up and can hold you and however many friends you’re traveling with. If it’s a really sunny day, you might want to invest in a pop-up canopy to keep your camping spot cool. Having one of these is guaranteed to make everyone else around you envious, and you can quickly make friends by inviting them to hang out with you in the shade. Make sure to bring your pillows and a sleeping bag that can keep you warm and comfortable throughout the night.

Camping Chairs and Coolers

When you head back to your tent for the night, you’ll want to sit around and hang out with your friends. Do yourself a favor and pack a foldable chair or two so you can relax at the end of the day. Chairs like this one are a perfect piece of camping gear. You’ll also want to have a cooler on hand packed with cold drinks and treats to help make your campsite party even more fun and inviting.

Portable Cell Phone Charger

This piece of festival gear is so important and yet so easily forgotten. Your phone is an essential part of your festival experience. Whether you need it to get in touch with your friends or take pictures and record videos, you don’t want your phone’s battery dying on you. Make sure to pack a portable charger like this one so you’ll never have to see your battery turn red.

Lantern or Flashlight

A lantern or flashlight is another one of those essential pieces of festival gear that is often overlooked. While you could always use your phone as a flashlight, an actual flashlight will give you more light and won’t use your phone battery. Don’t waste your time digging around your tent at night or walking through the dark to get to your car or the bathroom. Pack a handy lantern or flashlight, and you’ll be all set whenever the festival grounds get dark.

Festival Gear for the Elements

Headband or Bandana

Chevron Headband from Passion Lilie, $12.00

Some festivals are notorious for being particularly dusty. Keep a cute bandana around your neck to cover your face if it gets too bad. Headbands are always helpful when the heat is so intense you want to keep your hair off your face while still looking gorgeous.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses can be a flashy festival statement piece on their own, but they’re also important for keeping the sun, wind, and dust out of your eyes. Choose a wild pair to really show off your personality or a pair of neon shades to add some color to your outfit. Whatever pair you choose, you’ll be glad you aren’t squinting during any of the daytime performances. Choose a fun, eco-friendly pair like these or a colorful pair like this these.

Raincoat or Poncho

While festivals are usually nice and sunny, summer weather is known to be unpredictable. Bring a raincoat or poncho to make sure you’re covered for all kinds of weather. You’ll be glad you packed one when you’re able to continue dancing in the rain while others are running for shelter.

Shop Festival Outfits at Passion Lilie

At Passion Lilie, we create eco-friendly and fair trade clothing perfect for the festival season. Whether you’re looking a headband to keep you cool and stylish during the summer heat, or a dress that is sure to make you stand out from the festival crowds, Passion Lilie is your apparel shop for gorgeous festival fashion. Check us out to become inspired for your next festival, and make sure you create a checklist for your own festival gear guide so you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your next festival to its fullest.

Meet Geetha, the first trainee in our new program.

At Passion Lilie, our mission is to empower artisans in India by offering fair wages, safe and healthy working conditions, and long-term employment. We believe that these dignified job opportunities lead to more sustainable societies and a much better world.

Our talented team of artisans strike a perfect balance between time-honored Indian traditions and new practices. They make Passion Lilie possible, and in return, we want to help them and their communities thrive. Since 2013, when Passion Lilie began, we’ve been able to employ skilled groups across India with decades of experience practicing their craft.

Now, Passion Lilie is excited to announce the next chapter in our company. Always on the lookout for passionate artisans, Passion Lilie is starting a new program focused on providing free job training and long-term, fair trade jobs in the fashion industry to women in India. Our goal is to invest in training more female workers, so we can better assist in reversing the cycle of poverty in their communities and improving the world we live in.

Training with Passion Lilie

Passion Lilie’s new program will provide job training in the fashion industry to four talented women in India each year. Each woman will spend three months training, giving her a thorough and immersive experience in the industry. As with all artisans who work with us, she will be trained in safe, healthy, dignified working conditions.

At the end of the job training, participants are offered a job with Passion Lilie. During training, however, all expenses are paid for by Passion Lilie and participants do not work on our garments. Our top priority with this program is to invest in training more female workers in India, whether or not they choose to work with us later.

The women who join our team receive an above average salary as well as sick leave, paid holidays, assistance receiving health insurance, free financial advising, and more. Most importantly, they become part of an uplifting and positive community that has come together to form a family.

Meet Geetha, Our First Trainee

We are thrilled to introduce the first artisan joining Passion Lilie’s new training program. Geetha will be joining the program starting April 20th.

Before becoming a part of our training program, Geetha worked as an assistant tailor in the apparel industry for many years. Working in this position gave her experience with smaller tasks, such as safety stitching and label attachment. But as an unskilled worker, Geetha was making as little as 8,000 rupees per month, or around 115 U.S. dollars. Geetha, her husband, and their daughter currently rent a house for 6,000 rupees per month.

Through our training program, Geetha will be able to work on larger tasks with a variety of garments and fabrics, developing her skills and preparing her for a career in apparel production. During training, she’ll receive an immediate raise of 13,000 rupees each month. After her training period is over, Geetha can earn an even higher wage at Passion Lilie, allowing her to support herself and her family.

Buy Passion Lilie and Support Artisans in India

At Passion Lilie, we never ask for charity. All we ask is that you shop ethically and put your purchasing power toward products that are making a difference in the world we live in. Buying fair trade, eco-friendly clothing allows you to make a meaningful impact on the world while looking fashionable in your one-of-a-kind clothing.

Every Passion Lilie product is made with pesticide-free, 100% Indian cotton and designed with azo-free dyes. Our talented team works hard to create success in both New Orleans and India, and we’re proud to bring our passionate, empowering products to you. Shop Passion Lilie today to find clothing that will help you feel good about yourself and the world you live in.
 

Affordable, eco-friendly clothing from Passion Lilie. Shop now.

For many shoppers, your wardrobe is a fun and easy part of your life to maintain. It’s not surprising, since your sense of style allows you to have fun representing yourself to the world.

Your wardrobe can also be used to express your beliefs, which is why more and more people are interested in finding affordable, eco-friendly clothing. Not only does environmentally-friendly apparel help keep our environment clean, but it also allows you to share these values with others any time someone compliments your clothing, creating a larger collective impact.

However, there are still many people who want to invest in environmentally responsible clothing but fear it will come with a high price tag. Eco-friendly clothing typically costs more than fast fashion, but those extra dollars provide you with better quality clothing and better practices for the environment.

Learn how to find affordable, eco-friendly clothing to satisfy both your conscious and your wallet, and start shopping today.

Why You Should Invest in Affordable, Eco-Friendly Clothing

Passion Lilie’s founder enjoying the beaches of Bali in our Neoma Blue Kaftan.

When it comes to making our homes more environmentally friendly, we often neglect our wardrobes. Reducing waste, recycling, and avoiding harmful chemicals are all important and relatively easy changes we can make. But you may be surprised to learn just how much damage the wrong clothing can do to the environment.

Synthetic fabrics can take 200 years to decompose in landfills, according to Sustain Your Style. And when a store fails to sell a fast fashion piece or a consumer loses interest in the trend, that cheap, synthetic clothing usually gets thrown away.

The microfibers in synthetic materials can end up in our oceans, creating more waste and even affecting animals’ health when ingested. Clothing made with azo dyes, which may be toxic to an aquatic ecosystem, can cause even more harm.

When you invest in eco-friendly clothing, you get high-quality materials made from natural textiles, such as cotton, hemp, and linen. You can also avoid azo dyes and other harmful chemicals with eco dyes.

When a company values sustainability over profit, its products are made with care, often using practices that reduce waste, water consumption, and electricity usage to create goods that are safe for consumers, workers, and the environment. At Passion Lilie, we are transparent about our production practices, and we’re always looking for ways to treat our environment better.

If you’re ready to reduce your environmental footprint, check out our tips for incorporating eco-friendly clothing into your wardrobe without breaking the bank today.

How to Incorporate Eco-Friendly Clothing into Your Wardrobe on a Budget

1. Look for Classic, Staple Pieces

Breton Striped Organic Jersey Top, $46

One of the many problems with fast fashion is that the clothing is often based on temporary trends. Looks are moved from catwalks to stores as quickly and cheaply as possible, sacrificing quality materials and production. Consumers can buy into fads at a low price, only to end up wasting what little money they spent on poor-quality clothes, which fall apart and become outdated.

As you begin creating an eco-friendly wardrobe, don’t fall prey to the many trends that come and go. By all means, if there’s a trend you absolutely love, go for it! But only if it’s made of quality materials that will last, and it’s a style you know you’ll want to wear—even when it falls out of favor.

Otherwise, consider classic designs, such as stripes, polka dots, herringbone, and geometric patterns. Look for timeless staples, such as sleeveless blouses, straight-leg pants, and A-line skirts, in solid colors or classic designs.

By investing in classic styles and staple pieces, you’ll wear your clothes more often, have an easier time matching them in different outfits, and ultimately save money.

2. Create an Eco-Friendly Capsule Wardrobe

Halley Organic Jersey Skirt, $58, and Breton Striped Organic Jersey Top, $46

When you start to invest in a smaller number of high-quality pieces, you can transition to an environmentally-friendly wardrobe at a pace you can afford. One great way to maximize new clothing purchases is to build a capsule wardrobe with pieces you can easily mix and match.

Start with the basics, such as:

— A pair of dark denim jeans
— A pair of black pants
— A navy or black skirt
— A white or gray sweater
— A plain white or black t-shirt
— A white, navy, or black button-up shirt

These types of classic, staple pieces should all pair well together, making it easy to pick a stylish outfit every day of the week. As you continue to find eco-friendly clothes you love, compare them to the other pieces you regularly wear, and consider whether or not they will be easy to match with your existing wardrobe. For example, introduce a new color you love and know you’ll wear, and donate or give away clothes you no longer want.

3. Choose Accessories for an Affordable Update

A wide variety of Passion Lilie scarves

Accessories are some of the most affordable eco-friendly clothing you can find. Scarves, hats, and purses often use fewer materials, making them less expensive than full articles of clothing. Even better, you can easily incorporate them into your wardrobe and add a pop of color or pattern to plainer stable pieces.

A simple way to jump-start your sustainable wardrobe is by swapping out any cheap, synthetic accessories for higher quality, eco-friendly ones. Headbands, lightweight scarves, and sarongs are great options because they can be worn throughout the warmer months and into winter.

Choose colorful pieces that you can style with your clothing. The right accessories can turn your clothes into a completely new outfit! With a few carefully chosen accessories, you can do even more with a smaller wardrobe.

4. Take Care of Your Clothing

As you start purchasing more eco-friendly clothing made from high-quality materials, you can use these tips to help make sure your clothes last longer:

— Wash your clothes on a lower temperature. This gets them clean while also extending their lifespan. Not to mention, you won’t be wasting as much energy.
— Use an “eco” or gentle wash setting. Most clothes, unless they’re very dirty, can use a shorter washing time than the average washing machine runs. This can reduce your energy usage and water consumption while helping to preserve your clothing.
— Invest in an eco-friendly detergent. Avoid harmful chemicals in detergents, which could negatively impact your health, the environment, and the color and texture of your clothing.
— Hang clothes to dry on a drying rack. While some items, such as wrinkle-prone shirts, need to be dried in a dryer, many do not. Air drying your eco-friendly pieces can help keep the colors bright and your clothes intact for years to come, so always check the care instructions on the label.

Once you find affordable, eco-friendly clothing you love, you should treat it with special care so it lasts even longer.

5. Follow Local, Eco-Friendly Brands

Shops love to give loyal customers a heads up when they have an event or sale going on. With Instagram, Facebook, and other social media channels, you can keep tabs on your favorite eco-friendly stores and find out when the pieces you love go on sale.

Some stores post on social media to let their followers know about sales before they even change the prices in their shops. Plus, by getting to know your favorite brands on social media, you’ll be able to ask questions, learn about new environmental issues, and find clothes you love.

6. Shop Eco-Friendly Clearance Items

Another way to save money on eco-friendly pieces is to shop the clearance section.

Consider buying a piece or two that’s on sale as the seasons change. You may not be able to wear a coat during spring, but it will surely cost less in the off season. If the price is right, and it’s a classic style you’ll want to keep wearing, buy it! This is a great way to replace synthetic coats on a budget, so you’ll be ready for fall and winter.

Like most retail, even eco-friendly clothing shops have to change out their inventory, leading to amazing sales. Unlike other fashion, however, sustainable clothing is made with high-quality materials that are made to last, giving you a much better deal.

Shop Affordable, Eco-Friendly Clothing from Passion Lilie

Clothes made in India using ancient methods are vibrant, unique, and treasured around the world. Many Indian artisans still keep with the traditions of the past by making everything by hand using the purest of materials.

Passion Lilie is dedicated to bringing these gorgeous patterns and materials to the U.S. Although our designs are created in New Orleans, all of our clothing is made in India. Even more importantly, we offer our Indian artisans fair wages and dignified, long-term employment, so every purchase supports these talented artists and their craft.

Today, clothing made in India strikes a perfect balance between time-honored traditions and modern best practices. With its skillful artistry and designs that draw inspiration from Indian customs as well as nature, Indian clothing made from traditional processes is some of the most fascinating in the world.

Learn more about the customary practices for making clothing in India and where you can buy clothes made in India online today.

Natural Indian Dyes

One of the first things you might notice about clothes made in India are the bright, vivid colors. What you may not realize at first glance is that these dyes are as safe as they are beautiful.

Many of the dyes made in India are still created from environmentally friendly materials to this day. The two main types of dyes used by our artisans are plant or vegetable dyes and reactive dyes.

Plant and Vegetable Dyes

The practice of using plant and vegetable dyes is called Kalamkari. Everything from fruits, bark, vegetables, and leaves can be incorporated into these natural dyes.

— Black dyes are created by baking scraps of metal and sugar in a jar of mud. The jar is buried and left with the lid tightly sealed for three weeks.
— Yellow dyes are made by boiling pomegranates in water or using turmeric.
— Brown dyes are made by mixing red and black dyes together.

Once a few basic colors have been formed from natural materials, these dyes can be mixed together to create even more colors.

It takes a great deal of skill to identify the proper ingredients for these dyes. For example, the artisan must consider the age of the tree or plant, which will affect the exact shade of the color it produces. Older trees produce darker shades, while younger trees make lighter shades.

From the pre-treatment of the fabric to its final washing, every step of the dyeing process uses elements that are found naturally throughout India. This type of natural dyeing takes time and great attention to detail, leading to remarkable results.

The Plant and Vegetable Dyeing Process

Artisans throughout India use the following process to dye fabrics with plant-based or vegetable-based dyes.

1. Natural Bleaching: First, the fabric is bleached through a natural process, giving it a pure white color while ensuring the final product is safe and free of chemicals. It is then beaten on rocks, soaked in water, left in the sun, and boiled.
2. Myrobalan Treatment: Myrobalan is a fruit with medicinal properties found in India. Fabrics are pre-treated with juice from myrobalan seeds so the dye can better penetrate the fabric.
3. Color Making: The dyes for a few basic colors are made from natural ingredients. Additional colors can be made by mixing together combinations of these dyes.
4. Block Printing: A wooden block, hand-carved with the proper design, is dipped in dye and stamped onto the fabric.
5. Washing: For the next two hours, the printed fabric is washed in clean, flowing water or freshwater.
6. Boiling: After the fabric has dried, it is boiled in copper vessels with additional leaves, roots, barks, or flowers to achieve its desired color. Following boiling, it is re-washed and dried in the sun.
7. Starching: In order to fix the dyes to the fabric, a starch is made from rice and spread onto the fabric.
8. Additional Colors: If the design calls for any additional colors, the process is repeated with more dyes.
9. Final Washing: Before the fabric can be cut and stitched into clothing, it receives a final wash with soap, dries in the sun, and gets pressed and folded.

For a more detailed look at this intricate process, read our Plant and Vegetable Dyes page.

Reactive Dyes

This ancient dyeing process is a unique tradition still used on clothes made in India today.

Reactive dyes have a chemical reaction to the fabric they’re used on. They change the fabric on a molecular level, making them a permanent part of the fabric.

Small variations in the color are normal and part of what makes reactive dyed products so unique. Using this method, clothing won’t bleed or become faded with time, leaving you with clothes that are vibrant, beautiful, and handcrafted.

The Reactive Dyeing Process

Clothes made in India with reactive dyes use the following process.

1. The fabric is dyed an initial base color.
2. A binder is made by soaking gum arabic resin crystals in water until they ferment.
3. The fabric is hand block printed using eco-friendly, azo-free reactive dyes.
4. Each piece of fabric is wrapped individually in recycled newspaper and steamed for an entire day.
5. The fabric is washed and cured in the sun, which helps develop the colors.
6. The process repeats if there are any other colors in the design, each of which must be added one at a time.
7. Any gum arabic residue is removed, and the soft, beautiful final fabric is revealed.

Learn more about this process by reading our blog post.

Hand Block Printing

Clothes made in India often incorporate the technique of hand block printing. Block printing was popularized in China and many other East Asian countries, but it was in India where it really hit upon its highest visual expression.

This centuries old art form starts with a simple piece of wood. In India, the native teak tree is preferred for woodblock printing.

The wood is hand-carved into any shape the designer wishes to use. Many times, you’ll see designs inspired by nature in the clothing made in India, or else symbols relating to Indian beliefs and customs.

Block printing involves the following process for clothes made in India.

1. The stamp is created by chipping away at the woodblock to make the right design.
2. The fabric is pre-washed, most often in a local river or waterway.
3. The fabric is dyed its base color and prepared for printing. To prevent smudges or uneven printing, the fabric is laid flat on a table and secured with pins.
4. The dyes are mixed, and the block is dipped in dye. Then, the block is stamped forcefully onto the fabric, either by hand or with the help of a small hammer.
5. The printing process repeats if any other colors are included in the design. Each color must be applied individually with a separate block.
6. After the dye dries, the fabric is rinsed in water and dried in the sun.

As with clothes made in India using reactive dyes, block printed clothing is all the more unique for its small variations and handcrafted tradition. It also takes advantage of natural processes and materials to make a product that is safe and sustainable.

At Passion Lilie, we appreciate the environmentally friendly foundation of these long-standing Indian practices and hope to share them with the world through our clothing made in India. By using materials found in nature rather than forged by harmful chemicals, washing by hand, and drying in the sun, we use less energy than modern manufacturing processes and reduce our environmental footprint.

For more information about block printing, visit our Hand Block Printing page.

Ikat and Handwoven Clothes Made in India

Crafting handwoven and ikat dyed clothing in India is a valuable source of livelihood that is steeped deep in tradition. In fact, India produces more than 90% of all handwoven clothing in the world.

Ikat refers to a resist dyeing process that allows artisans to create patterns on yarn before it is woven into fabric. Weavers must possess incredible skill to dye the yarns precisely according to a desired pattern and then weave them into a final product.

While most countries have taken to using electric looms, many Indian artisans still believe in the creativity, artistry, and rich tradition of the handloom. Though it may take slightly longer, it is a process they feel passionate about, and one that can be used even without access to electricity.

Ikat and handwoven clothes made in India use the following process.

1. Several rows of yarn are stretched to their fullest, about 10 meters.
2. Lines are drawn across the yarn to mark the pattern needed for the final fabric design.
3. The yarn is bound with rubber ties along the marked pattern. These bindings keep the dye from penetrating the yarn beneath, allowing artisans to create the intended pattern.
4. The yarn is dyed with a base color. Only one color can be applied at a time, so designs that require multiple colors require multiple dyeings.
5. The bindings are removed after the yarn has been dyed.
6. The yarn is stretched on poles outside to dry in the sun.
7. The process repeats with another dye for each additional color in the final design.
8. The dried yarn is placed on cones of the loom and spun into fabric.

To produce 24 meters of fabric, an artisan needs about 16 hours on a handloom or 12 hours on an electric loom. Want to learn more about the handloom weaving and ikat dyeing process? Read our blog post.

Indian Apparel Production

While Passion Lilie’s designs are created in New Orleans, all our clothes are made in India. The talented team of artisans we employ work in a close-knit community, where they oversee the final steps needed to turn our fabric into clothing and accessories before they’re sent to the U.S.

Each Passion Lilie product is cut, stitched, ironed, and tagged by these accomplished artisans, as shown in the video above. From the moment the designs leave our founder and lead designer, Katie Schmidt, in New Orleans, they’re brought to life by talented artisans in India. The result is beautiful, unique, eco-friendly clothing from India available for sale online.

Buy Clothes Made in India Online

Browse our full inventory or shop from Passion Lilie’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection below.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion for showing your loved ones how much you care. Whether you’re looking for a great gift to show your sweetie how well you know them or you just want a festive way to get your kids and pets in the holiday spirit, clothing and accessories are excellent options. For those of you in our home base of New Orleans, there are a variety of places to shop locally for Valentine’s Day clothing gifts and even find Valentine’s Day clothing sales. Learn about a few of our favorites below!

New Orleans Valentine’s Day Clothing Gifts

The clothes we wear are an expression of ourselves. They can reveal our personalities, our tastes, and even our values and political beliefs. So what could be a more personal, touching gift than a carefully chosen piece of clothing or accessory?

Buying clothing for someone else isn’t as difficult as it may sound. Consider these tips when shopping for your Valentine’s Day clothing gifts:

1. Browse their closet for ideas. Take a peek in their closet to get an idea of what they like and what they already have. Does she prefer skirts or dresses? Pants or shorts? Does he have enough button-down shirts and ties that he actually likes to wear? Are there any colors, patterns, or styles they seem to like? Don’t be afraid to jot down a few notes or take another look if you have questions while shopping.
2. Pay attention to what they wear. Most of us own clothing we don’t actually wear. In fact, Fashion United reports that over 80% of the average American’s clothing was not worn in the past year. After you check their closet, take into account what they actually wear on a regular basis. Avoid styles they no longer want to wear, and if you see clothes they like that no longer fit, try looking for something similar in the right size.
3. Listen to their wants, needs, and complaints. Have you heard her complain she needs a new dress or pair of heels for date nights? Has he mentioned that he needs a new watch? See if you can remember anything they might have said, and make a note to yourself if they ever point out an item they like while out shopping together.
4. Use their clothing to find out their size. Look at the clothes they wear and check what size they are. Keep in mind that different brands may size their clothes differently, so it’s always best to take actual measurements with a tape measure.
5. Check the returns and exchanges policy. If you follow these tips, there’s a very good chance you won’t need to worry about returns or exchanges. But it’s always worth making sure you can easily return or exchange any clothes you buy as gifts just in case.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start shopping! To get started, take a look at the jewelry at Porter Lyons, shoes at Feet First, accessories and pet wear at NOLA Couture, kids’ apparel at Fleurty Girl, sunglasses at Root, and, of course, men’s and women’s clothing at Passion Lilie. Browse a few gift-worthy items for Valentine’s Day from each of these New Orleans brands below.

Porter Lyons

Heart Stud from Porter Lyons, $150

Want to go for a grand gesture? Show her your heart this Valentine’s Day.

These gorgeous heart stud earrings from Porter Lyons are sure to make her swoon. They feature conflict-free diamonds and come in solid 14k yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold.

Order yours online or take a trip to Porter Lyons at 631 Toulouse Street in New Orleans. You’ll find a range of beautiful fine jewelry and truly unique collections inspired by different cultures.

Feet First

The Drisela from Sole Society, $85

Impress the woman in your life with a stunning pair of heels this Valentine’s Day. The Drisela, available at Feet First in a rich burgundy suede, puts a twist on the classic date night heel with metallic studs on the top strap.

Half Moon Necklace from Queens Metal, $70

Make your gift twice as nice with a stylish accessory. This Half Moon Necklace from Queens Metal, also available from Feet First, makes a big impression with small details.

Browse the latest shoes and accessories from Feet First on their Instagram, or visit the award-winning shoe store at 4122 Magazine Street in New Orleans.

NOLA Couture

Seersucker Bow Tie from NOLA Couture, $55

Nothing says he’s a stylish Southern gentleman more than seersucker and bow ties. Give your gift a Valentine’s Day twist with this Panama Pink Seersucker Bow Tie from NOLA Couture.

Seersucker Bow Tie Dog Collar from NOLA Couture, $45

You can even share the love this Valentine’s Day with your pet! This Seersucker Bow Tie Dog Collar in Panama Pink is available in small, medium, large, and extra-large. For even smaller pups, there’s an Extra Small Seersucker Dog Bow Collar in Panama Pink as well.

Find more styles inspired by New Orleans and the South at NOLA Couture, located at 3308 Magazine Street and 528 St. Peter Street in New Orleans.

Fleurty Girl

Louisiana Love Onesie from Fleurty Girl, $22

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your little one in style. This heart-themed onesie from Fleurty Girl shows your Louisiana pride while giving a nod to the holiday.

NOLA for Life T-Shirt from Fleurty Girl, $22

Whether your tween or teen still celebrates Valentine’s Day with you or not, show them they’ll always be in your heart with this heart-themed t-shirt from Fleurty Girl. The simple yet stylish graphic tee is a great addition to nearly any wardrobe.

Show your love for New Orleans this Valentine’s Day and all year long with Fleurty Girl, whose locally inspired apparel and accessories are available online or in stores throughout Louisiana.

Root

Bamboo Watch from Root, $80

A watch is an easy way for any man to show off and enjoy his style. This lightweight, water-resistant, handcrafted Bamboo Watch from Root is an ideal balance of fashion and function for the man in your life.

Crescent City Sunglasses from Root, $150

Break from tradition this Valentine’s Day and give a gift they’ll truly love. Any New Orleanian knows a good pair of shades makes all the difference, so surprise your sweetie with a pair of stylish, eco-friendly Crescent City Sunglasses in Havana Tortoise from Root.

Check out more sunglasses and watches from Root online, in the Root Store at 2855 Magazine Street in New Orleans, or at any of their other retail locations.

Passion Lilie

Fall Poppies Wrap Dress from Passion Lilie, $84

Sweet, stylish, and accentuating all the right places, the Fall Poppies Wrap Dress from Passion Lilie is sure to please. This little black dress is perfect for a romantic date night together.

Light Blue Ikat Men’s Button Down Shirt from Passion Lilie, $56

Help him find a button-down he’ll love to wear. With its short sleeves, fitted silhouette, and breathable cotton material, you know he’s going to feel as good as he looks in this Light Blue Button Down from Passion Lilie.

Shop more great looks from Passion Lilie today on our website. Designed in New Orleans and made in India, Passion Lilie is a fair trade fashion brand.

Valentine’s Day Clothing Sales and Promotions

If you’re shopping on a budget or just love a great deal, be sure to check out these Valentine’s Day clothing sales and promotions.

— Passion Lilie is having a Valentine’s Day promotion from February 1–February 14. Use the coupon code “Valentine” to get a free eco-friendly greeting card with any purchase. It’s a great opportunity to share a few words with your valentine about how much they mean to you.

— Root is having a Valentine’s Day sale from January 31–February 14. Shoppers will receive a 20% discount off any purchase for online and in-store purchases.

— Porter Lyons is pairing up with Jack Rose for a Valentine’s Day giveaway. Four lucky gal pal winners will be treated to a Galentine’s dinner at Jack Rose with bottomless champagne and get a birthstone semi-precious stud from Porter Lyons. Keep an eye out for this great giveaway, which will run from February 3–February 10.

The best Valentine’s Day clothing gifts are chosen with care, so keep our tips and recommendations in mind to find the perfect pieces that say “I love you” to your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day!

On the surface, the fashion industry seems a world apart from politics. Yet fashion and politics have long been intertwined, as both women and men have used their attire as a way of conveying their social and political views. Contemporary political fashion trends may look different than those of centuries gone by, but fashion remains an effective and accessible way of broadcasting your beliefs and standing up for your views.

Fashion Trends and Political Beliefs: A Historical Perspective

Take a look at nearly any society, and you can find instances where politics have impacted its fashion. In the 18th century, for instance, some Englishmen took to wearing short, colorful suits and adopting other eccentric styles as a political statement in opposition to the more traditional Whigs. Even the type of fabric worn, such as silk or wool, could be used to reflect the politics of international trade at various points in history.

As a historically marginalized group, women have forged a unique relationship with fashion, especially as a vehicle for political expression. Denied most other means of expression, many women turned to one of the few aspects of their lives they could control: their clothing.

Just as men were able to make a political statement with the fabrics included in their clothes, so too could women. According to the Yale Press Log, Britain promoted the silk designs of Anna Maria Garthwaite in the 18th century as a way of declaring their patriotism and asserting their superiority over the French in the silk industry.

But this political fashion trend took a different turn in what would become the United States. During the American Revolution, many colonial women boycotted British goods, including Garthwaite’s silks. Meanwhile, the Daughters of Liberty and other American women made their own clothing as a patriotic act.

Fast forward a couple of centuries, and women were still using fashion to provide a glimpse into what they felt passionate about. In the 1960s, women in America were in the midst of a sexual revolution. They wanted the men in power to know that they were no longer going to be controlled or suppressed—and, as such, fashion trends began to change swiftly.

According to Time magazine, miniskirts appeared in America during the ‘60s as a feminist push against the previous decade’s concepts of womanhood. More and more women began wearing pants, and bras were being burned in the streets. Women were using newfound freedoms to rid themselves of old gender norms and ideas, and political fashion trends were a critical part of the process.

Today's Most Iconic Political Fashion Trends

Fashion has been used to express politics for centuries, and the new millennium is no exception. As technology has allowed for instantaneous dissemination of information, a new political climate has formed—one that is both dizzying and polarizing. People of all walks of life have the ability to broadcast their political opinions on social networks that reach thousands upon millions of users, but that has not replaced fashion’s role in politics. In fact, certain political fashion trends have gained additional exposure on social media, allowing them to grow even more.

Some of the most iconic political fashion trends of today include:

— The Red Baseball Cap: When Donald Trump emerged as a political candidate in 2015, he brought along with him a baseball hat that would become a political symbol for years to come. The simple red hat, emblazoned with the phrase "Make America Great Again," would become the mascot for his campaign, while its slogan became a rallying cry for his supporters leading up to the 2016 election. The hat was a hit among the throngs of supporters, who continue to wear them to show their support for the 45th president.

— The Pantsuit: On the other side of the aisle in 2015 and 2016 was Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee for president, who was also the first woman to run for president with the support of a major political party. She came to every campaign event in a professional pantsuit, which would soon become her trademark. Her supporters began donning their own pantsuits, often sharing photos of the outfits online, to express their support for her campaign.

— The Pink Knit Hat: The pink knit hat is another iconic political fashion statement from the 2016 election. Bright pink and knit (or, in some cases, sewn) to give the appearance of two cat-like ears on top, these hats were popularized by protestors in the Women’s March of 2017, which occurred in Washington D.C. and across the country to protest Donald Trump’s inauguration. The hat became a symbol of feminism for the modern age and a political fashion trend among women of all ages.

How Can You Express Your Opinions and Beliefs Through Fashion?

People at every point on the political spectrum have the opportunity to express their political and social beliefs through fashion. Even those who do not consider themselves very fashionable can use the clothes and accessories they wear to make a statement. Consider these ideas to get started!

1. Wear the color of a cause that is important to you.

Perhaps you have had an aunt or close relative succumb to their battle with breast cancer. Or maybe you’re a survivor yourself. You can use the color pink—which is the official color of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October—to show that this cause is near and dear to your heart while raising awareness.

Many illnesses, conditions, and causes have an official color that represents their organization, making this an easy, personal, and subtle way to showcase what means the most to you.

2. Purchase products from businesses that practice what they preach.

Whether you care about fair wages or vegan materials, you can find and support businesses that share your ideology and put it into action.

Here at Passion Lilie, we offer our customers unique clothing, accessories, and homeware that are both stylish and ethical. We are a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation, and we provide fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignified employment to the artisans in India who work with us.

Passion Lilie is also eco-friendly. We use environmentally responsible materials, such as organic, pesticide-free, non-GMO cotton and azo-free dyes. In addition, we employ sustainable practices that use natural energy and reduce our water consumption and waste.

By purchasing from companies that share your beliefs, you can support your favorite causes financially while also sharing your priorities with the world around you.

3. Select clothing that expresses your views.

Expressing your views can be as simple as getting the right words, images, or hashtags printed on a piece of clothing. Political fashion does not have to be subtle, and many of today’s trends make it easy for you to shout loud and clear what you believe in.

T-shirts, bags, and hats are all common articles of clothing that can be used to express a political sentiment. These items allow you to be proud and confident in your own belief system, and they give you an opportunity to express yourself in a way that is blunt and unapologetic.

Regardless of what you believe, you have the ability to use the clothes you wear as a way of expressing yourself. Fashion is about more than just matching colors or flattering a figure. Fashion is a way to express who you are inside, sharing yourself and even your beliefs with the world.