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What Is the Ancient Technique of Block Printing?   Block printing is a relief printing technique that uses a carved material (typically wood, linoleum, or rubber) to transfer ink onto fabric or paper. The block serves as a stamp, with the final product resulting in a mirror image of the carving. Woodblock prints can range from small images intended to be repeated in a pattern to large works of art that require a large printing press to print. In the past, these were also used to print entire books. Depending on the size of the knife and the quality of...

If you walk down 5th avenue in New York City, you’ll be greeted by dozens of storefronts. From Zara and Mango to H&M and Forever21, these retailers seem to have a new window display every other week. The clothing on their racks are constantly changing week after week, which is one reason these fashion brands are considered to be “fast fashion.” Everything moves quickly in the garment supply chain with new clothes and new styles filling their stores in abundance.     But how do they manage to manufacture everything so fast? First of all, quantity outweighs quality. They use...

By now, you’ve probably heard about how important it is to buy sustainable fashion and the importance of sustainability in general. Even though sustainability has just become more mainstream in recent years, there’s always been a need for ethical clothing that prioritizes garment workers and quality content. According to the UN Environment Program, “the fashion industry is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for 8 - 10% of global carbon emissions.     Fast-fashion, on the other hand, which typically does not consist of sustainable clothing, can be harmful to the environment and to the people creating the...

  People don’t just become independent fashion designers overnight. Many have spent years trying to build a brand founded on their core principles, which include caring for the environment and their workers. Unlike fast fashion brands, independent fashion clothing lines value quality over quantity. Instead of churning out a thousand pieces per month, they might design just 1,000 pieces per year.     Creating clothing with intention and mindfulness is rewarding, but getting your foot in the fashion industry takes time. Like any startup company, emerging designers need to make a name for themselves and prove their designs are unique....

The year is in full swing and all the fashion trends that were predicted last year have come to fruition. One of those trends, casual pearls, is making an appearance on and off the runway. We're seeing them on basic t-shirts, cardigans, jewelry, handbags, and other accessories.  When most people think of pearls, they’re quickly reminded of Queen Elizabeth II, Audrey Hepburn (in Breakfast at Tiffany’s), Jackie Kennedy, and Coco Chanel. All of these women are considered to be sophisticated, fashion moguls who wear pearls or wore pearls to signify importance and luxury.  But pearls have taken a slightly different approach...