Are you a traveler………or a traveler of the mind???…..I would say I am both. I have never been to India, but there are many things about the country that I love…..The fabrics, the COLORS, the artisan craftsmanship are all things I admire. The easiness of the clothes….the casualness of the clothes….the dressiness of the clothes….all in the same garment…………..The beautiful jacquard silks, that we would deem dressy, the Indian women wear for their daily dress…………Their SARIS….their TUNICS….. are all things that inspire me. To say that the movie, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”, had an influence on me would be an understatement. I loved the way Dame Judi Dench looked in this movie…..casual, dressy…..all at once…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
The TUNIC above, A251587, was born from that inspiration…………First came the movie…..then the FABRIC…….The GEORGETTE JACQUARD MEDALLION FABRIC is 100% polyester, and has a 100% polyester georgette lining [in the body only]. Look closely at the intricate pattern and design of the “clipped” medallion. It is very much a FOULARD, which came about through the European influence on the Indian culture. The body is straight and easy….this is something you don’t want TIGHT….better it should be a little bigger than smaller, but I think your normal size will be perfect…….Remember….there is NO STRETCH to this fabric……The tunic has an open neckline with a “V” notched out. Both the neckline and V are banded with a narrow piece if georgette…..which extend to create a tie….which can be tied or left undone…..both ways are beautiful. The XS is 29 inches long with 7 inch side slits in both the top and lining. The sleeves are approx. 18 1/2 inches long…………………The color above is……………….VIOLET…….and it is a beautiful saturated color……………….The MATCHING NECKLACE….is LINEA….and will be avail. soon…..I do not have the J number. The silhouette of this easy, breezy tunic is very much authentic to what you may find in boutiques or bazaars in INDIA . Of course it would look great with jeans for that dressy/casual look, as well as Capri, cropped or dress pants. Above, I have the VIOLET TUNIC paired with my HEATHER GREY PONTE PANT, A239321, which actually work with every color this tunic comes in. For a dressier occasion wear it with a WK pencil skirt………These would be perfect take away pieces….easy to pack and easy to wash….for those casual/dressy times……………I have heard though the “grape vine” that a sequel is being made to “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”…..maybe I should send Dame Judi some tunics!….LOL…………………………scroll down………………..enjoy………much Love………………………………………….Louis
The 3 tunics are now available for purchase; I see its semi-fitted, the click here measurements are showing its generous in my usual Linea size; should I size down one size? Will the lining be the determinating factor of staying with my usual Linea size or going down one size?
Exactly…if you size down the lining may be too small. This should be a loose easy top…better on the bigger side than skimpy…
Hi Louis –
I love all the colors in your new tunic. They don’t look to be too sheer. Would a cami be necessary? Can’t wait for your next show. Have my calendar marked.
Dear Chrystene….there is no need for a cami as the body is lined.
Oh LOUIS! You really struck a chord with this one! I attended that “other” design school across the river from Parsons, and for my undergraduate thesis in interior desgin I renovated the US Customs House off Battery Park to a folk art museum. For the presentation I wore this same shade of violet Punjab. The top was exactly this silhouette and proportion, but with small cream beads in a decorative border around the neck and opening. The pants started as a straight leg that became close at the calf, and then fitted on the ankle. Your fabric and colors are gorgeous; you really wowed me with this one. I’m eagerly awaiting the faux washed silk pants. I think I’ve purchased every item you have designed in that fabric so far.
YOU ARE AMAZING! How do you find the time to photograph, choreograph, and answer all of these questions and still design? Your blog has taken on a life of its own. I don’t know how you manage it, but your efforts are greatly appreciated.
I have definitely taken on more than I thought it would be, but I’m happy to do it. Definitely keeps me busy!……………..I love the way your pants sound….don’t think they would sell on QVC!!! LOL
You couldn’t be more on target, Louis! It appears that there’s a huge following of “Marigold”, and watching the movie many times caused my yearning for tunics in my wardrobe! You certainly brought the movie home with this one? Thanks Louis for always being so clever! This fabric is off the charts!!!
Love the movie, and the clothes on Dame Judi, AND this tunic!
WOW!!! These are gorgeous! Perfect for my lifestyle (retired) and the climate I live in. (south central Texas) They’re beautiful and I’m getting all three colors. You made my day. (month, year, decade?) Thank you.
It is funny (in the sense of odd) that you must have focused on how attractive Dame Judi Dench looked in “Marigold” as I did. In spite of withering heat and dust clouds, she always looked extremely attractive. How I admired her tunics and scarves flowing over her shoulders or flying from her neck. Plus, she wore her middle-age spread well. Let’s face it, Helen Mirren still wears a bikini well and is the envy of many of us who may have lost that shape.
You are so clever, Louis, to pick up on such a good look for your Linea Ladies.