Tantilly blog fabric symbolism

The symbolism behind Tantilly's cheerful prints A year ago I walked into the cheerful Tantilly store in Deventer for the first time, and it was love at first sight!

The colours... the fabrics... but above all the beautiful patterns... so intense... I can totally get into it!

As a maker of semi-abstract works of art with a Detex (fashion & clothing) diploma, I look at the garments a little differently.

I would like to tell you something about the origin and meaning behind some patterns and prints.

When you hold a “Tantilly” in your hands you immediately see that you are dealing with craftsmanship.

It's fascinating to see how much work goes into just one piece of fabric.

The techniques that the makers use are not something they do just like that, it is a precise and complicated process that is passed on from generation to generation.

Isn't it super special, when you consider how all these people, during this process, transform the designs into the beautiful garments that we are allowed to wear!

It's just an Art.

As I said, I would like to tell you a little more about the symbolism behind the beautiful fabrics.

Kikko

A Japanese, diamond-shaped pattern that is created like that of a turtle shell. Here, the connections always have equal distances. This fun print symbolizes happiness, health, perseverance and perseverance!

MOMIJI

Maple or maple leaves in typical autumn colours. This of course goes perfectly with beautiful silk mix fabrics that radiate allure. It symbolises contemplation and peace. Do you feel it?

SAKURA

The origin of this is cherry blossom which symbolizes early spring and tender young beauty . On the edge at the bottom of this skirt you can see this serene pattern well combined with the turtle-like pattern (kikko) above.

GINKGO

The ginkgo (biloba) is a sacred tree in the Far East that is also used as a medicine. During the Art Nouveau and Arts Nouveau periods (early 20th century) this was a favorite pattern for artists.

The leaf represents primal life force, timelessness, hope, love and a long life.

UME

Together with matsu (the pine) and take (bamboo), the ume pattern belongs to the combination originating from China: “three friends in winter”. Ume shows lovely blossom patterns.

It may symbolize winter, but also new life and spring.

BUTTERFLY

Butterflies are seen as omens in some cultures.

Many people also believe that the passing of a butterfly can be a sign from a loved one sending you a message from the other side of the rainbow.

The butterfly symbolizes innocence, love and gentleness.

An item from Tantilly is much more than a piece of clothing, and there is often a whole story behind it. When you take a good look at such a beautiful dress or skirt, just think about how much time and effort has been put into it. Impressive, right?

I hope you enjoyed reading a little more about the meaning of Tantilly's colorful prints!

Who knows, you might like to give a beautiful piece of clothing or a nice scarf as a gift to a special person, and you choose it based on the special symbolism behind the print.

Love Marike