Paisley Power: The History of the Iconic Print & its Place in Our New Collection

What do the Beatles, psychedelics, and India all have in common?

Well, unsurprisingly to anyone who’s grown up with the influence of modern mindfulness and the swingin’ 60s, quite a lot actually.

But the lesser-known commonality is the influence all the above had on the fashion industry - an impact that still holds forth in far-reaching ways today.

The latest addition to our summer 2020 collection channels the vibes of the 1960s free love movement with flowy fabrics, backless dresses, and - yep, you guessed it - paisley featuring front and centre.

Let’s take a second to ponder the fascinating history behind the evolution of the iconic print before we dive into our newest items, which we just know you’re going to adore as much as we do.

The fabulous history of paisley

Originally stemming from Persia, the paisley pattern is one of the oldest motifs that’s been used throughout the history of fashion. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Indian merchants replicated the original Persian print in decadent Kashmir shawls, putting their own unique spin on the print by placing many tiny motifs close together on a single piece.

But it wasn’t until the print caught on in the West, namely in the town of Paisley, Scotland, that the pattern got its Anglican name.

Paisley’s popularity ebbed and flowed over time (what hasn’t?!) but it made a massive resurgence in the 1960s when hippy culture moved from the margins to the mainstream.

What was the context, you might ask?

The Beatles were making it big at the time - like, mega big. 

They’d just been on their famous excursion to India which they undertook to study at the guru Maharishi’s transcendental meditation centre. Not only was this a hugely productive moment for the band’s songwriting, but it also added to the West’s growing interest in meditation and brought an enormous amount of attention to Indian spirituality and culture - including fashion.

Paisley Power in Maria Malo’s Summer 2020 Collection

Boheme Maxi Dress

This flowy number features a button-down front which can be worn semi-open or closed, depending on what you’re wearing (or not!) underneath and how revealing you want to go. 

It’s made of Tencel, a sustainable fabric crafted from a blend of wood pulp from fast-growing, highly renewable trees that have been sustainably harvested. Tencel is super soft to the touch and falls beautifully - perfect for a summer dress like this one.

The Boheme maxi dress is slim-fitting, but in a relaxed way, meaning it’ll take you from day to night without a hitch. Pair this one with our organic bamboo high waisted knickers in matching paisley print and you’ll look an absolute dream.

Available in both long-sleeved and midi-sleeved versions.

Kimono

The romantic cut of this kimono immediately reminds us of balmy nights spent out on the patio and lazy Sunday mornings with big cups of steaming coffee. Like much of the collection, she’s made of sustainable Tencel fabric which feels amazing on your skin - even when it’s hot and sticky outside.

The paisley print is finished with a slight dusty effect, adding to that vintage feel. It features a relaxed, loose fit which allows it to be thrown over just about anything - from a bikini or cut-off jeans to a little black dress. There’s a little fringe on the bottom hemline to give the piece an extra pop, too!

Barbaras Night Dress

Barbaras Dream Dress

Everything about the soft lines, feminine cut, and detail of this dress makes us think one word: dreamy. The Barbaras dream dress features a plunging neckline, subtle ruching under the bust, and a non-clingy fit. The above-the-ankle cut pairs just as beautifully with a pair of flip flops or sandals as it does a pair of Chelsea boots.

Like the rest of our dresses in the collection, this dress is made from tencel - so by making this dress yours, you’ll be doing your bit for Mama Earth, too.

Bamboo Bikini

Bamboo Crop Top