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Unique Gifts: Clothing (485 items)
Enjoy exploring our unique selection of clothing gifts, designed and handcrafted with great care by talented artisans worldwide:
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The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts
What are traditional methods for making handmade robes?
Traditional methods of hand crafting robes vary by region, culture, and historical context. Two common techniques that allow artisans to create luxurious, wearable, highly-detailed robes are hand-painting and hand-stitching. In Bali, where the practice of making robes by hand has been passed down for generations, the traditional method of batik is a signature style. The Batik Tulis, for example, is a technique that utilizes wax-resistant dye that is then applied directly to the cloth. It is an intricate, patient process that can produce extraordinarily detailed pieces. Batik Cap is another classic technique where a copper stamp is repeatedly pressed with the wax-resistant dye onto the cloth. This process creates patterns on the garment that are then dip-dyed to saturate color into the unwaxed parts of the robe. Both batik techniques produce unique pieces that represent the incredible talent of our artisans in Bali.
What are the most popular designs for handmade robes?
Each region puts its signature mark on its handmade robes. In Thailand, for example, designs featuring geometric patterns and labyrinth motifs are trending. These patterns are hand-woven to create a ruched texture that highlights the intricacy of each garment. From Bali to Java, our artisans have seen their batik motifs become customer favorites. These wearable canvases feature both hand-painted and hand-printed designs, making for vibrant, one-of-a-kind pieces that allow for artisans and customers to showcase their individuality.
What robes are most comfortable?
The fit, feel, and fabric of a robe should transport you to a place of rest and relaxation. Novicas handmade robes exude comfort, because artisans attend to every detail with painstaking care. Robes made from silk, cotton, or rayon can provide high levels of comfort and versatility. One should look for breathability, absorbency, and versatility when purchasing a robe. Additionally, hypoallergenic fibers, like cotton, can provide comfort to those with sensitive skin. Whether one is looking for a lightweight fabric or a lavishly-woven robe, every handmade piece from Novica artisans brings an expressive twist to new styles and a fresh take on the classics.
How do I care for my handmade robe?
Handmade robes are fine, delicate pieces. These garments require a bit more care when it comes to laundering. Hand-washing in cold water always produces the best results. For machine wash, one can use cold water and the delicate cycle. Avoid twisting or harshly handling the fabric, and never use intense heat settings while drying the robe. Air drying while the fibers are laid flat will help to prevent excessive wear on the fabric, as well as preserve the vibrancy of the robes colors. Always dry a batik or hand-painted robe in the shade.
What is the historical background behind traditional robes?
The journey of the traditional robe throughout history is meandering and culturally specific. Here are just a few of the important stops along the way. In Japan, kimonos are an adaptable garment that have been a staple of cultural fashion since the Heian period. The robes from Bali are influenced by the classic Japanese kimono and yukata. The kimono is crafted with silk and worn over many layers in the winter while the yukata is a summer garment made with a single layer of cotton. Both of these styles reflect the artisans' take on a traditional style. In prehistoric Rome, robes were used to identify social status and to signify special ranks within communities. And by the 1700s, dressing gowns were a fashionable piece in the western wardrobe.
What are the most popular materials for making robes?
The most popular materials for crafting handmade robes are natural fibers such as silk and cotton. Because silk is a light-weight, water-resistant fiber, it provides the wearer a sense of luxury and comfort. Rayon is a natural-based material made up of an organic compound derived from cotton extract or wood pulp. This fiber is extremely durable, breathable, and cost effective. Cotton is celebrated for its comfortability and elasticity, and it provides excellent insulation. These fibers make for garments that exude luxury and relaxation.
Featured Reviews on Unique Gifts: Clothing
Rayon blouse, 'Midnight Mallow'
By Terry
Love this blouse
I love this blouse. Completely covered with embroidery back and front, its surprisingly sturdy. Its styling allows it to be worn as a tee-shirt with jeans, or as a special occasion piece with trousers or skirt. I took it traveling and rolled it up in my suitcase and it came out of the bag perfect and unwrinkled. Good quality - highly recommended. (I typically wear a size 14 top and have a small bust; I bought the size XL and it had the perfect fit for me - loose without looking too large.)
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Rayon batik robe, 'Night Dragonflies'
By Maritta
Beautiful robe - exactly like photos
Just as described, really nice colors and soft to the touch. The size and length are exactly as described, it looks the same or better than the photos. High quality fabric and impeccable stitching. Arrived sooner than I was expecting, packed in a nice little fabric case that matches the robe. I highly recommend, great experience all around. Thank-you to the artisan for creating something so beautiful.
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100% baby alpaca cardigan, 'Romance in Tan'
By Laura
Beautiful and well made
This is a beautiful and soft cardigan. It is very well made, fits well and I have received many compliments on this sweater.
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Desak Nyoman Parwati Batik robes and decor accents
(418)
Write a review"I have built my career step by step. I started by asking my neighbors to come to my place to look at my collection...."
My name is Desak Nyoman Parwati and I was born in Bali in 1972. I learned how to make batik from Desak Putu Nithi, in 1989. When I worked with her, she taught me many things about textiles and hand-painting batik. I liked her dedication to her work and her concern for the people working with her. On... read more
Popular Unique Gifts: Clothing
Clothing Gifts
When it comes to clothing gifts, you can buy the same old thing, or you can find something truly original from the far reaches of the world. We’ve compiled the best pieces from Peru, India, Thailand and elsewhere to bring you a unique selection of clothing that’s bound to impress! With NOVICA’s collection of Clothing Gifts, you’ll find batik robes for her, alpaca sweaters for him, and all sorts of beautiful, handcrafted clothing to suit all kinds of styles. Look no further for the perfect clothing gift. At NOVICA, our garments have got you covered.
