Asymmetrical Thai Silk Skirt “Copper Patchwork”

This Thai silk patchwork circle skirt is simply fabulous.

Tied with a ribbon belt around the waist, it is a real skirt that spins, moves and dances with great charm and elegance.

A patchwork of handmade silk ikat from Thailand whose design is truly revealed when you lay the piece flat on the floor and step back enough to observe it. I hope you enjoy it!

It is first by composing the range of fabrics that I found the inspiration to imagine this long, unique skirt.

Initially, my creation is a unique geometric composition in a gradient of colors. I assembled different diamonds of silk in turquoise and copper tones, taking care to align the fabrics in one direction, then in the other, following a very precise logic and rhythm, until I obtained a 3D effect in the pattern.

Then, I folded and sewed the diamonds, to the millimeter along the edges, directly onto the lining. I chose the copper lurex to support the relief of the project, and so that its shine would hypnotize you a little!

Made entirely by hand in my workshop in Brussels, this creation took me around ten days of concentration: from the composition drawing, through the cutting, the folding work, the different assembly stages to the finishing touches.

This unique piece with exceptional fabrics authentically reflects my approach to promoting textile know-how and upcycling materials.

I think it's important to share it with you too!

If you took the time to read this far, thank you :) 

Thai handcrafted silk is one of the most beautiful fabrics I have had the honor and pleasure of creating from so far.

Coming from different rural regions of Thailand where sericulture is established, it is spun, dyed and woven by hand with exceptional know-how. Its patterns were created using the ikat technique, a tie and dye made on the warp threads of the loom before the weaving work, with remarkable finesse and precision.

And before I had the honor of working with these beautiful fabrics, I spent years collecting and studying them to enhance the stories they tell. This deep interest in combining textiles from all walks of life is at the heart of my creative process.

Handmade and upcycled textiles:

• Handmade Royal Silk Ikat from Thailand
• Copper Lurex lining

Technical details:

• Long to the ankles
• Asymmetric
• High-end finishes
• Dry clean or gently hand wash in cold water

The set was presented during the 3rd International Thai Silk Fashion Week where I had the pleasure of representing Belgium as a Brussels designer.

You can see all the looks from this show on my Instagram account @julie_menuge as well as on the Lookbooks page of my website.