asian | Imbue You I Do

Posted by Imbue You in DIY, Fashion & Decor, Inspired By, Wedding

Sugoi! (Japanese for “wow”) These handmade fabric hair pieces truly were a find.

Tsumami Kanzashi is a traditional Japanese method of pinching fabric (tsumami) to make hair pins (kanzashi). It involves many steps, artistry and precision. I’ve found an instructional video if you want to give it a whirl.

There are many artisans on Etsy who create tsumami kanzashi in different styles and from many materials. This top design is by Hanami Gallery. These would make for special bridesmaids gifts, a bridal hair design at weddings or just something to make you feel special everyday. They are truly wearable art and here are some of my favorites:

With many flowers and pieces together, you can really make a visual statement. Perfect for bridal wear and special occasions. These wonderfully intricate designs are from AtelierKanawa.

I love the ability to mix colors for beautiful results. Match your wedding colors or your power colors. Top design by Mizu’s Garden, design directly above by Petal Mix.

I love the different types of flower shapes that are possible, including the more traditional pointed tip, bell shapes and more. Top design by Hanami Gallery, design directly above by Random CatGirl.

As beautiful as these designs are, a formal occasion isn’t necessary to wear them. Here a headband and a lovely butterfly design can spice up your everyday style. Headband by Petal Mix, butterfly by Random CatGirl.

{Written by imbueyouido.com, the blog of Imbue You and Imbue You Wedding. For more wedding and party stationery advice, get our free Wedding Style Guide. }

{Real Palettes} Natalie’s Modern and Bold Asian Wedding Invitations

Posted by Imbue You in Design Secrets, In the Studio, Real Palettes

Natalie is a bride with a clear design vision. And when she came to me for her wedding invitations she knew it had to be bold, it had to be cultural and it had to be navy and fuchsia.

She even blended two of our invitations designs into one…adding a wrap and tag to a layered Asian print invite. And she blended an Asian-inspired print with colors she fell in love with in Guatemala.

But that’s just perfect for the blended wedding style Natalie wants for when she walks down the aisle this fall.

{Designer Tip} Mixing Traditional Culture with Modern Style

The key to pulling off Natalie’s East-meets-West style is taking the traditional print and detailed shapes from Japanese and Chinese design and pairing them with a bold modern color palette.

Color is an great way to liven up more traditional designs!

In Natalie’s Words:

If you look at traditional weddings around the world, they are extremely colorful! From Asia and India, to South America and Africa, you see lots of colors on our most joyous days. Although I consider myself very “westernized” (U.S. born and raised), my ethnic background is Chinese, and I have always loved the colorful silks and embroidery of traditional Chinese weddings.

Although I will be wearing my white gown all day, there will be nothing pale or pastel about my wedding day! Red and gold, of course are the most traditional, but as a melting pot American, I take inspiration from other cultures as well.

On a recent vacation with my fiancé to Guatemala, a country known for its colorful woven textiles, I bought a traditional belt which is basically a strip of fabric woven with many colors. The primary colors were dark blue and pink. It is one of my favorite accessories and souvenirs!

On a visit to the fabric store there was bolt of hot fuchsia dupioni silk displayed right next to a deep royal blue silk and I fell in love. The colors are so contrasting and bright. I especially love the fuchsia.

(In fact if I could have a second dream dress, it would be made of yards and yards of fuchsia dupioni silk!)

For my wedding and reception dark royal blue will be the base color, which is appropriate for an elegant evening affair. Hot pink will be the accent, like little fireworks of color. My maid of honor will be in a hot pink dress, and my other 2 bridesmaids in royal blue. Flowers will be colorful and bold, bright yellows, pinks, and oranges.