Aesthetic “perfection” wasn’t always the end goal. Way way back in time, clothing that *functioned* perfectly, yes. Something that was durable, certainly. A piece that was able to be put on and removed easily (yay, zippers and buttons, and fasteners!), absolutely.
Clothing’s importance as a status symbol brought about the need for rich fabrics and patterns that conveyed importance and wealth. Aesthetic perfection.
It’s interesting, because so much of our clothing today that looks perfect is *far* from it - it’s mass produced and filled with flaws that intense manufacturing demand only encourages. But it has aesthetic value as part of a socially-important trend, so it seems to be what many people want.
Maybe it’s a step back in time, to appreciate the process of making apparel. We’re ok with that.
- Seeing the fabric layed out and pinned flat.
- The blocks carved or screens prepared.
- The dyeing, printing, washing, drying, and every little step in between.
- The pattern making, fabric cutting, stitching, detailing.
It’s so much work! Our production partners in India and Nepal are so effortless about it that they make it look easy. With so many steps and hands involved, we embrace and celebrate any imperfections in the process.
The fabric pictured is screen printed cotton - our soft and gauzy mul mul cotton. With our cotton lining, it’s the perfect late-winter/early-spring weight.
Mulmul cotton is a new favorite fabric for Mata - the perfect weight for the weeks when the temps waver between summer and fall. Its softness, super breathability and overall vibe are checking off a lot of boxes on our Want to Be Comfortable / Don’t Want to Have to Layer Yet fall style list.
