Retail | Opening Ceremony + Pendleton
Inspiration
Opening Ceremony’s collaboration with Pendleton is finally here. I’ve been waiting somewhat impatiently for months since the announcement, and the lookbook offered just enough of a taste to keep me salivating for fall.
The cut of the clothes are nice and very of the moment- vest, motorcycle jacket etc. but what excites me most are the patterns! You can find these patterns just about anywhere; hanging on a wall, folded over the back of a friend’s comfy couch, or adorning a well-worn wood floor. It’s fun to see Pendleton’s timeless prints mashed up with Opening Ceremony’s fashion-forward silhouettes. Ethnic print from all corners of the globe have been popular again for more than a few seasons, but Pendleton Woolen Mills has been doing it for decades. Starting in 1909, Pendleton has been manufacturing Indian blankets for sale and trade with Native Americans.
“A study of the color and design preferences of local and Southwest Native Americans resulted in vivid colors and intricate patterns. Trade expanded from the Nez Perce nation near Pendleton to the Navajo, Hopi and Zuni nations. These Pendleton blankets were used as basic wearing apparel and as a standard of value for trading and credit among Native Americans. The blankets also became prized for ceremonial use.” (sourced from Pendleton website)
Nothing like a garment steeped in history to add to it’s allure, value and rarity. Can’t wait to get my hands on the real thing!
Nothing like a garment steeped in history to add to it’s allure, value and rarity. Can’t wait to get my hands on the real thing!
