Passion For Paisley

Sunday I saw a Peacock at the Flamingo Gardens. This always makes me think of the 60′s and the Peacock feathers my Mom kept in a vase in the living room. The 60′s remind me of the Summer of Love and Psychedelic Paisley . Think Austin Powers and Indian love beads. And plenty of Paisley everywhere. Fender even had a Pink Paisley guitar that was quite popular. I think the long association of Paisley and music started with the Beatles and their Indian spirituality journeys. Later on in 1985 , we had Prince and his Paisley Park song (and his studio of the same name). Now we have Brad Paisley , and he , will he just has it as a last name.

The word Paisley itself either is of Persian or Indian/Pakistan origin. It is kidney or amoeba shaped , in any case a very free form motif. Many believe the basic design has been derived from something botanical like the Cypress , Pine , or Palm trees. The French even use the word Palme to describe Paisley.

In Persia the name for Paisley was boteh jegheh , and referred to the popular woven patterns that often used metallic threads through out. The popularity of the design grew when Paisley , a center of weaving industry in the lowlands of Scotland began to weave the pattern and gave rise to the name. You will also hear Paisley referred to as Persian Pickles by quilters , and Welsh Pears in textiles. Chris Madden has said “People see in Paisley what they want to see. And people are falling in love with it again.” It certainly is a standard motif of the Neck tie industry.

I love Paisley like you love a good stripe. It is easy to fit into any mesh of patterns , and can bespeak traditionalism or be far-out and funky. So next time you are picking a fabric in Fashion or Interior Design , what about the Paisley ? It has a long history as a Go-To motif with any decor.

So, have you partnered with Paisley lately ? There are some great ones out there , go explore !