No one knows exactly how old cotton is. Scientists searching caves in Mexico found bits of cotton material and pieces of cotton cloth that were determined to be at least 7,000 years old. Remarkably, that ancient cotton looks a lot like the cotton we see today. Indeed, in Roman times it was believed that cotton garments were as precious as silk ones. Short fibers and flat dense texture make cotton easy to dye. After applying print or color to cotton, the fabric can be washed, adding another dimension of usefulness to this material. It’s not difficult to understand how it came to be used in both everyday clothes and luxury garments - simple sundresses to designer fashions.
Fashion decision-makers keep cotton in the forefront of the fashion world. Their forecasting researchers identify the needs, trends and market shifts. Versatility, softness, breath-ability, absorbency, year-round comfort, performance and durability are just a few of the qualities that have earned cotton fabrics their popular status. It is strong, longwearing and available in a wide variety of weights and textures. Along with wool, silk and linen, cotton is a naturally grown product.
However, there is some bad news about the favored cotton. Since it is not a food product, the laws that govern its cultivation are not very strict. As a result, when artificially enhanced cotton fiber is produced, more chemicals are used per unit area than for any other crop, accounting for a gasping 16% of the world’s pesticide use. These chemicals are widely accepted to cause air and water pollution, thus damaging the land on which this cotton is grown.
The good news is that you help reduce this chemical cocktail on our planet by choosing items made of organically grown cotton. Growing organic cotton without chemicals means that not only is it safer for the farmers and workers, but the land is not damaged by over use of chemicals. Using crop rotation practices and natural fertilizers, instead of chemicals and artificial fertilizers, is obviously advantageous for the environment. And a bonus is organic cotton clothing feels so good next to your skin! Organically grown cotton fibers are longer and you can feel the luxurious quality. From sleepwear to daywear to evening wear, cotton plays an important role in our lives.
Los Cabos is lucky to have several sources for ready-to-wear cotton clothing. Since 1989, Margarita Partridge has specialized in resort wear, with brand names from Guadalajara such as Dunes and Opus, at her Cotton Club shop located in Puerto Paraiso Mall The fanciful appliquéd designer jackets and vests with Mexican motifs are from Victor Camarena Rojo from Mexico City. From the U.S. comes Color Me Cotton with the new printed garments for this season.
The Color. The summer pallet of cotton perfectly reflects the cheerfulness of the season, according to Leticia Klien of Casa Vieja in Las Tiendas de Palmilla. Key color themes for summer 2008 are purple, a regal color for the second season running, that teams up with crimson red or celadon green. Neon lights, brilliant versions of yellows, oranges, greens, blues and pinks are hot. Popular colors are eye-popping fuchsia, beetroot purple, burnt coral, deep jewel tones, nautical navy, golden caramel, and midnight sea. Of course, the perennial warm and earthy neutrals are always a good choice.
The Style. The overall mood is colorful, joyous and feminine. The cocktail dress is short and flirty in both rainbow colors and bold black and white stripes. Keep the waist in place and above the knee; add ruffles for detail. Fabulous mini-patterns, bold and bright geometrics, and tattoo prints dominate, while sensual cotton sateens, lacquered plain weaves in cotton, and damask cottons are the fabrics of choice. Popular prints on cotton dresses or blouses are abstract florals in bold colors. The silhouette is high-waist skirts and pants, empire line tunics and dresses, large oversized collars, full balloon or bell sleeves, volume in skirts and dresses, such as bubble and tulip style. In skirts or dresses, it’s either very short or very long. Maxi dresses are making huge comeback this season The Look. Full of allure, class, elegance and style, the look this season is completely different from last year’s untamed, free-style boho. Last year it was all about frills, lace, sequins, and shine. This season is more luxurious and sophisticated, the garments more pulled together, with less glitz but definitely more glamour. Styles are simple, yet graceful. Think classy, voguish and chic. If you liked the fashion of the fifties, that entire craze will be in style again. Trousers and mini trousers are in fashion, as are Capri-style. There is a trend that will mix sporty style with chic, which will result in some interesting combinations.
Must-Haves. A volume shirt in sonic green; a 1930’s bias slip dress; tomato red lacquered cotton top; a pleated, high-waist dress cocoa in color with vibrant accents; black-laminated, oxford, high-waist mini skirt with satin details; cotton sundress with tribal geometric embroidery; belted dresses; pleated tunics; a lime evening dress; chambray ruffled lace cocktail dress; a cotton Snow White jacket.
The colors of the sun, the sand, the sea always herald summer. And cotton makes it possible to stay cool and comfortable throughout the season. Take it from Pepita at her signature store in Las Tiendas de Palmilla: Fashion is not just a visual adventure. It involves the whole being, the way clothes move, the way clothes feel on the body and the freshness of a soft comfortable fabric. There’s nothing like cotton to create the feeling.
