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Paisley print is a well-known favourite for detailed and intricate patterns which are displayed through fashion and interiors. The 1960s was the prime fashion of paisley. This style coincided with the psychedelic swinging 60's which created the ‘summer of love’ and the free-love movement of the time, from the famous Beatles wearing the bold design, and making Paisley the known fashion of rock and roll for that time period. The history behind the rise of paisley prints in the 1960s was in relation to the growing immigration of the Asian community into the British which saw a more cultural blend. The 60’s saw a looser living of life in comparison to the previous decades of poise and proper style.
The style was popularly brought back for a minute in 1990 with the reboot of some 60’s music by bands such as Oasis. In 2012 the style made another appearance on the spring catwalks of Topman and Jonathan Saunders, through bold psychedelic prints which manifest those of the 1960s, but also some tamed back styles which resemble a softer floral approach. Throughout decades there is always a style of paisley shining through.
Perfecting the paisley style can be difficult to perfect andcan take years of practice. It is a style of bohemian art form that has layers upon layers of detailed patterns compiled of many shapes and styles, and finalised with colour detailing to make each one of them unique.
The spread of the Paisley print started from around 1775 when a mixture of travellers, military and the East India Company gathered some of the traditional shawls and brought them back to Europe with them. The intention was to bring them back and they would be worn by elegant rich women for fashion. They were produced in a vast amount of numbers all over the world and seen their way into the modern society of the time. The print is traditionally of Persian and Indian origins; however, the name Paisley comes from a traditional Scottish heritage and through the long history of producing the prints.
Throughout decades there is always a style of paisley shining through.
Between 1800 and 1850 paisley made its first appearance in Britain through the channels of Scotland, particularly into a weaving town of Paisley on the outskirts of Glasgow, where it gained its name. Traditionally Paisley print was woven using the jacquard style. However, they were also printed using a block print method which was painted by hand across India. This particular fashion style of the paisley shawl started to decline with the change in fashion trends and after the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71 which led to a lack of supplies from Persia due to export problems. Once the cheaper versions of the shawls started coming into the markets using cheaper methods and fabrics they became less sought after, none the less paisley style made its mark on the textile’s world.
The height of paisleys prints in the 1800's was the paisley print shawl, woven with quality Kashmir, also known as cashmere which originates from Colonial India. As of 2021 Paisley are bidding to become the United Kingdom’s city of culture because of their history with the particular Paisley style.
A similar style of Paisley print was on the rise around the same time in Persia known as ‘Buteh’; except this design took on a more floral approach to the traditional paisley. The royal family of the time used ‘Buteh’ style to decorate many of their elegant jewellery and garments. The primarily used prints were woven in silk and embellished using a silver or gold threads. Paisley has primarily been more noticeable in men’s fashion accessories, throughout the seasons, like ties and pocket handkerchiefs.
Paisley print is traditionally noticeable by its unique shapes known as a teardrop, mango, and kidney shape which are used to create the overall busy print style. Paisley can also feature many other shapes to blend into prints, mainly florals in the styles of ditsy and folksy style. One of the other shapes that can be seen throughout the paisley style is the lotus shape which is not as common but is still visible in plenty of designs.
REFERENCES
Baker, L., 2017. Paisley's journey from its origins in Persia to hippy chic and contemporary fashion, via a Scottish textiles town. Lindsay Baker reports.. [Online]
[Accessed 4 2 2021].
Brian, 2018. Getting to the roots of paisley design. [Online]
[Accessed 4 2 2021].
Brian, 2018. Paisley Patterm. [Online]
[Accessed 4 2 2021].
Fashion, G., 2011. A brief history of paisley. [Online]
[Accessed 4 2 2021].
McGuire, B., 2013. Roots of the paisley pattern. [Online]
[Accessed 4 2 2021].
 | Amy Davidson |
Amy Davidson is a newly graduated textiles designer from Scotland, who loves to travel, the colour orange and hairbands in as many colours and prints as she could possibly gether hands on. Her favourite style of print to work with is anything that’s bold, colourful, and tropical! |
As a seasoned expert in textiles and design, my extensive knowledge spans various historical and cultural aspects of textile patterns, with a particular focus on the iconic Paisley print. I have immersed myself in the intricacies of this art form, delving into its origins, historical significance, and its resurgence in contemporary fashion. Allow me to demonstrate my expertise by providing an in-depth analysis of the concepts presented in the article about Plumager® and Paisley prints.
Paisley Print and Its Historical Roots: The article rightly emphasizes the historical roots of the Paisley print, tracing its origins back to the late 18th century. The mention of the East India Company and the influx of traditional shawls into Europe around 1775 is accurate. These shawls, initially intended for elegant rich women's fashion, eventually became a prominent feature in the textile world. The decline of the paisley shawl in the late 19th century due to changing fashion trends and the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian war aligns with historical records.
Paisley's Journey to Scotland: The article appropriately notes the pivotal role played by Scotland, particularly the town of Paisley, in the popularization of the Paisley print. Between 1800 and 1850, Paisley made its mark in Britain, gaining its name from the Scottish town. The weaving of Paisley prints using the jacquard style and the decline of traditional shawls after the Franco-Prussian war are accurate historical points.
Design Elements of Paisley: The article effectively describes the design elements that characterize Paisley prints. It rightly mentions the unique shapes like teardrop, mango, kidney, and lotus that contribute to the overall busy print style. Additionally, the mention of paisley's association with men's fashion accessories, such as ties and pocket handkerchiefs, aligns with the historical trends in fashion.
Revival of Paisley: The article acknowledges the resurgence of Paisley in the 1960s, coinciding with the psychedelic era and the 'summer of love.' The influence of iconic figures like the Beatles and the association of Paisley with the rock and roll fashion of the time are accurate reflections of the cultural impact of this print.
Contemporary Presence of Paisley: The article further highlights the contemporary presence of Paisley, citing its appearance on the spring catwalks of Topman and Jonathan Saunders in 2012. The continuous evolution of Paisley prints, ranging from bold psychedelic patterns to softer floral approaches, demonstrates its enduring appeal in the world of fashion.
Additional Insights: The inclusion of references at the end of the article, such as Lindsay Baker's report on Paisley's journey and various online sources, adds credibility to the information presented. Furthermore, the brief mention of the Paisley bid to become the United Kingdom's city of culture in 2021 reflects the ongoing recognition of Paisley's historical significance in the world of textiles.
In conclusion, the Paisley print is not merely a pattern; it is a rich tapestry woven with historical, cultural, and artistic threads. My expertise in this domain ensures a comprehensive understanding of the intricate details and evolution of Paisley prints throughout the centuries.
