Wear the World: Boho Chic Dress Designed in New York with Exquisite Hand-Embroidery from India! 1980's PUTAMAYO of NEW YORK

History of Putumayo Apparel Company and its Hand Embroidery in the 1980s

Putumayo, an influential apparel company based in New York, became synonymous with bohemian chic, exotic craftsmanship, and colorful designs that captivated the American market, especially during the 1980s. The brand was founded by Shaloo and Avinash Kumar in the late 1970s, originally conceived as a unique fusion of fashion and global artistry. Its name, Putumayo, was inspired by a river in the Amazon, evoking an exotic and adventurous feel, aligning with the company's eclectic aesthetic and commitment to creating vibrant, global-inspired collections.

The 1980s was a pivotal decade for Putumayo, as it expanded its reach and influence, particularly through its distinctive clothing lines that featured ethnic, artisanal, and handcrafted details. What set Putumayo apart from other apparel brands was its dedication to incorporating traditional techniques from around the world into its collections, giving them a fresh, modern appeal. One of the most celebrated aspects of their designs during this time was the exquisite hand embroidery featured on their dresses and garments, particularly those made in India.

The Role of Hand Embroidery in Putumayo’s 1980s Collections
Putumayo's use of intricate hand embroidery during the 1980s was a hallmark of the brand's identity. The company sourced garments from India, where a rich tradition of textile craftsmanship and handwork was thriving. Indian artisans, often from rural areas, would painstakingly stitch beautiful, vibrant designs onto dresses, tops, and other garments. These artisans used a variety of techniques, including zardozi, phulkari, chikan, and kantha embroidery, among others, each bringing its own cultural significance and visual beauty.

The embroidery was often done using silk, cotton, and metallic threads, creating patterns that were bold and colorful, showcasing motifs inspired by nature, geometric patterns, and traditional Indian designs. Flowers, paisleys, peacocks, and geometric shapes became signature elements in the textiles, reflecting India's rich cultural history and its long-standing textile traditions.

One of the key factors that made Putumayo’s embroidered dresses stand out was the attention to detail. Each piece of embroidery required hours of work by skilled artisans, making each garment not just a piece of clothing, but a work of art. The fine craftsmanship added a layer of individuality to the pieces, making them highly sought after by fashion-forward individuals.

The Cultural Significance and Global Appeal
By incorporating hand embroidery from India, Putumayo created a bridge between Eastern and Western fashion. At a time when the West was becoming increasingly interested in global cultures and their artisanal products, Putumayo capitalized on this trend by offering a unique blend of Western-style dresses adorned with Eastern influences.

The 1980s marked a period of growing interest in bohemian and hippie-inspired fashion, and Putumayo’s embroidered dresses were in perfect alignment with this trend. The brand’s garments were often seen as symbols of free-spiritedness, individuality, and a connection to a world beyond the typical commercialized fashion industry. The use of handcrafted details, such as hand embroidery, emphasized a move away from mass-produced clothing and toward something more authentic and personal.

In India, the booming demand for hand-embroidered textiles during this time brought much-needed work to local artisans. Putumayo's collaboration with Indian embroidery artisans helped preserve traditional crafts while also providing a platform for these artisans to gain international recognition. For many of the women and men involved in these practices, working with Putumayo allowed them to sustain their families and communities, supporting the broader economic development of their regions.

Putumayo’s Legacy and Impact
Though the popularity of Putumayo in the fashion world began to decline in the late 1990s, the impact of its 1980s collections, especially the hand-embroidered dresses, remains significant. The company played a major role in bringing awareness to the artistry of Indian embroidery on the global fashion stage. Putumayo’s designs continue to be celebrated as a representation of cross-cultural collaboration and the beautiful intersection of fashion and tradition.

The hand embroidery that Putumayo showcased remains a treasured part of fashion history, representing a time when global craftsmanship was cherished and celebrated in Western wardrobes. Today, the legacy of Putumayo lives on in the continued popularity of handcrafted, artisanal fashion, and the lasting influence of these detailed, stunning pieces can still be seen in modern-day fashion collections.

Vintage 1980's
MADE IN INDIA
Size L
Skirt Measures Approximately 35" in Length
Waist measures Approximately 17" When Flat - 34" around
Six Side Buttons
Beautifully Embroidered Floral Pattern and Scalloped Edges at Bottom of Skirt
One Side Pocket
100% Cotton
EXCELLENT Condition
CLEAN