Ikatela

Mallorcan Fashion Inspired by a Dress from LA by

Anne Schwarzenbacher photos by Silvia de Couët

It started with a dress from LA, gifted to me by a friend. People complimented me on the dress, and its Mallorcan ikat-like pattern, time and again. And with that, I figured there must be an interest in dresses with a Mallorcan flair. I brainstormed the idea during the pandemic, and after some months of researching, designing and pattern-making, Ikatela was born.

Written by Anne Schwarzenbacher

Photos by Silvia de Couët / Models by Bestage Models International www.ikatela.com

Ikat Revival and the Fabrics Asian Origins

The iconic Mallorcan ikat fabric used to be called “flàmules” (flames) because of its flame-shaped pattern and was originally used for curtains and cushions. However, an ikat revival has swept the island, and you can now see the bold design in highend boutiques, hip galleries, and trendy restaurants. The striking design resembles the Asian ikat fabric and may have an Eastern origin. It makes sense as Mallorca served as a stopover on the trade route between Europe and Asia for many years. The name of my label, Ikatela, combines the words IKAT & TELA (which is Spanish for fabric).

Local, Slow, and Sustainable

I made the dresses’ earliest versions from the island’s original fabric, but switched to a softer, more comfortable material produced on the mainland, but solely for the Balearic Islands. As a brand with strong ties to Mallorca, it’s only fitting that I buy the fabric from a traditional shop in Palma. My “Made in Mallorca” principle means that each dress is made on the island, with painstaking attention to detail by our talented local seamstress.

I believe in “slow fashion”- the opposite of “fast fashion”. An Ikatela garment is sustainably made and boasts premium, long-lasting quality. But that’s not all. Every piece is made to measure and ensures a perfect fit and many years of happy dress-wearing. And if you prefer your dress to have longer sleeves, a different neckline, or a shorter length, this can be done. Right now, the line comprises three dresses and a jumpsuit. All are made from the Mallorcan ikat fabric and are available in beige, turquoise, blue or red. A pair of men’s shorts and a men’s/women’s waistcoat are on the drawing board for summer 2023, so watch this space!