The tie dye styles of Herve Leger, Tibi and Pacsun

Sure it’s associated with hippies and arts and crafts “crunchy” types, but the art of tie dying fabric was established long before the late 1960‘s and early 1970’s -  the decade most associated with this textile dying process made popular by celebrities such as Janis Joplin.

Fast forward to today where fashion forecasters are predicting a modern spin on this age old textile design will be all the rage in 2010. 

Tie dye has appeared on spring and fall runways for several years - from Prada in 2004 to Balmain in 2007, but the trend has never fully taken off. From contemporary designers to high fashion houses, designers are giving it a shot again. 

Designers including Tory Burch, Proenza Schouler and Rodarte have all modernized this nostalgic technique with sleek silhouettes and chic motifs. From denim to casual t-shirts and even formal evening wear - variations of tie dye can be found on clothing, accessories and home fashions. 

Forget colorful, rainbow hued circular prints, modern tie dye, sleek and sophisticated is often monochromatic with a dip dyed effect.

I can recall my first tie dying project. I was 15. With no income and a pajama party to attend, I bought an inexpensive white A-shirt (singlet) and a pair of white male boxers, tie dyed them both with a pale blue pigment to create a white and blue “sky” effect and glued on rhinestones to spell the word “ANGEL” - voila an instant outfit I kept and slept in for years.

For all you domestic divas and crafty chicas, jump ahead of the trend and purchase an inexpensive cotton v-neck t-shirt and experiment with a little homemade tie dying yourself with the tutorial below. You may uncover your hidden fashion designer!

Tory Burch Photo: Style.com

Directions adapted from About.com

1. Before you dye your item, you should wash it to remove any sizing from the manufacturer or anything else that may have gotten on it.
2. Decide what sort of design you want your finished project to have. 
3. Lay your shirt or other item out flat first and then fold and tie as desired. 
4. Cover your work area so the dye doesn't stain it. 
5. Prepare your dye as directed by the manufacturer. You should carefully follow all instructions. While preparing the dye and dyeing your item, you should wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from staining and the hot water. 
6. Pre-treat your item if necessary. With some dyes you will have to soak it in soda ash. 
7. Start dyeing! It is usually best to start with the lightest color if you are using more than one color. Rinse or wait between colors as directed by the manufacturer. Make sure to follow all directions carefully when it comes to dyeing and rinsing your items. Some dyes require you to rinse immediately and others require you to let the item sit for at least 24 hours. 
8. When your dyeing is complete, make sure to clean all containers immediately with hot water and soap. 
9. Be careful washing your tie-dyed items! Most should be washed in cold water. The first few times they are washed, they might bleed, so wash them with like colors or alone.