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.
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 high-end 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!
By Anne Schwarzenbacher
Photos by Silvia de Couët / Models by Bestage Models International
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