A trend to dye for: This season eye catching swirls of colour see Hippie culture get a high-fashion makeover

Tie-dye is making a comeback for spring/summer 2016. Sarah Young discusses why you’ll be ditching seasonal favourite florals for grown-up psychedelia

Valentino Spring Summer 2016

An era defined by free love, music parents hated and an “if it feels good, do it” attitude, sixties Hippie counter culture is back. Sartorially, this was a movement bound by self-expression so what was the number one garb for elite nonconformists? Tie-dye, of course. With its roots in ancient forms of “resist-dyeing”, the free-spirited tinting technique reached peak popularity in the 70s followed by a short stint in the 90s thanks to a surge in youthful rebellion and do-it-yourself style. But, just how has the capacity to tie, twist and dye become a trend frontrunner in 2016?

Altuzarra Spring Summer 2016

This season, tie-dye print gets a high-fashion makeover with a grown-up take on pastel-hued swirls and bursts of colour. One of the most elegant offerings came from Altuzarra who worked with tonal-greens, rich oranges and yellows inspired by the designer’s Spanish heritage. Tie-dyed in saturated colour, the silhouettes retained maturity with crepe skirts cut high to the waist, midi-length dresses and their signature thigh-baring split.

This more considered approach wasn’t for everyone though with some designers sticking to tie-dye’s imperturbable roots, albeit with a high-fashion twist. For Valentino, jacquard coats, cargo jackets and flares were swathed in khaki and burnt range tie-dye with a collection stirred by the wild plains of Africa. For Max Azria though, 70s skate and surf culture took the reins with board shorts, tie-dye knits and multi-coloured bucket hats oozing West Coast style.

Paco Rabanne Spring Summer 2016 (pixelformula.com)

Tie-Dye is a great alternative to habitual summer prints such as florals but to avoid looking like you’ve just stepped out of a time warp, there are a few points to consider. Wear it sparingly, one item at a time as like many other patterned trends, it’s important not to go overboard. Source one key piece, such as a top or skirt, and make sure the rest of your outfit is neutral – you want to avoid clichéd surfer vibes and little goes a long way with this one. Don’t be afraid of colour either and be sure to embrace tie-dye’s psychedelic heredities; for something a little chicer opt for pieces that contain shades within the same colour family. This season, it really is a case of do or dye.