Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1302808
"REVERSE, REVERSE. CHA CHA NOW Y'ALL." Ok, so who just sang the "Cha Cha Slide" in their head along with me? As fun as it would be to talk about the popular 2000 song, the colorful clothing technique that is making a revolutionary comeback with less bubbly hues and more rock 'n' roll tones is worth switching subjects. Reverse tie-dye, which means you dye fabric with bleach instead of colored dye, is all the rage and worthy of its own chart-topping sensation. e bleach replaces traditional, bright tie-dye colors, making it cohesive for the cozy season of autumn. As far as mixing and matching your own creations with this season's trends, Abby Buckley, owner of Frankie's boutique in downtown Macon, says taking on an adventurous vibe is worth it. "We chose looks that anyone could see themselves in but also pushed them to take on all the amazing trends fall has to offer: pattern mixing, fun accessories and incredible shoes," she says. When you add a homemade bleached shirt or sweater to an outfit with animal print and different textures, you are sure to make a statement worthy of a second glance. After a hot summer, Buckley says fall is the season that Frankie's loves most. "ere are endless possibilities of layering to express yourself. And this year we have it all – hats, bags, the best denim, incredible fall florals, hello cute shoes, everything you could want for that perfect fall look," she says. e resurgence of the tie-dye trend has caught the eyes of top designers, too, including 2011 runner up for the prestigious CFDA/ Vogue fashion fund and Creatures of the Wind extraordinaire Chris Peters, who opts for more of a sun-bleached technique for an airy touch. If you want to know how to mix and match your homemade tie-dye pieces with this season's sought-after items, we've got the tips. Elena Garza, Macon Magazine mulitmedia manager, used her own bleached creations with new options from Frankie's to show how easy it is to use reenergized fabric with your fall trends. "I like it because it's a fun play on traditional tie-dye," Garza said about the reverse tie-dye technique. "It is perfect for someone who wants a neutral, more wearable tie-dye for fall." Tips of the trade include wearing gloves and finding a safe place for you – and the environment – to put the harsh household cleaner to work. "Make sure whatever you are tie-dying is damp before you begin with the bleach," Garza says. "Try using the bleach in a spray bottle and dropper to create variation." Get creative and thrive on making your own rules when it comes to tie-dye. We're all living through incredibly challenging times. Yet, creativity is not lost. Choosing joy is more important than ever. So, get outside and take a breather from the world (Zoom fatigue and social justice emotion, anyone?), turn up your speakers and just create. My guess? Creating a new timeless clothing look is not the only thing you'll be happy you did. "WE CHOSE LOOKS THAT ANYONE COULD SEE THEMSELVES IN BUT ALSO PUSHED THEM TO TAKE ON ALL THE AMAZING TRENDS FALL HAS TO OFFER: PATTERN MIXING, FUN ACCESSORIES AND INCREDIBLE SHOES." - ABBY BUCKLEY 64 maconmagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020