Tying up the Best Tie-Dyes in Beachwear

This article originally appeared in Look magazine 1971.

Tie-dyeing, an art first recorded in the Orient in the sixth century, is blossoming to new life. The mystery of the patterns emerging from the pot intrigues the most casual blue-jean bleacher, and in the hands of Will and Eileen Richardson, tie dye has become a contemporary art form. The Richardsons, a husband and wife team, run a studio called Up Tied in New York. They work their magic on a dazzling variety of garments.

Their friend and collaborator Halston Frowick, converts Up Tied originals into fashion fantasies for the wealthy and famous - from Jacqueline Onassis to Ali McGraw. The Afro poncho above is from Halston, New York.

The photo above is a mans nylon undershirt and re-purposed military fatigues. Block dying transformed a dancers standard white leotard into Barbara Carrera's on of a kind tank suit (below).


This week we'll be sharing the various techniques used to create these beautiful pieces. Ready to give it a try? Come back tomorrow for more info. In the meantime, source a piece you'd like to use as your canvas.