What we wear wednesdays: Bruins Bringing Back Dyed Designs

If you were to ask Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen Xers what they thought about tie dye fashion a couple of years ago, their answers would probably consist of camp crafting memories and references to the 70s. 

Fast forward to 2020 and the once low fashion craft of tie dying has become a high fashion staple. Today’s youth are finding new, chic, and bold ways to incorporate (as well as capitalize on) this booming trend. From bodycon dresses with a pop of colour to comfy sweat sets that have been a quarantine must, dyed designs have become the newest fashion must-have. 

The amazing thing about the trend of tie dye is that you can see it in all realms of fashion, from high couture Vogue shoots and fashion week runways to simple comfy crewnecks. Tie dye is also very unique, as it is a textile that people can easily create from their own homes. This has even led to young fashion lovers creating, designing, and selling their tie dye works. 

One such business that has been booming and catching the eyes of celebrities is Campbell and Kramer, founded by UCLA students Presley Campbell and Alden Kramer. The fashion brand is best known for their colorfully dyed sweat sets and lounge wear, two things that have become a staple in many bruins’ wardrobes. When speaking about tie dye and why she fell in love with it, Alden Kramer said “I do love all of the colors” and how it was actually the 2019 Stella McCartney spring show that got her rethinking her love of the textile. Their business started in that same year when Kramer’s inspiration for tie dye sparked. Today, their ultra successful, hand dying, sustainable journey is still going strong.  

Campbell and Kramer Set

Campbell and Kramer Set

Bruins and teens alike have been seen making tie dye their own. Popular options and directions Bruins take with this trend are bleach tie dye DIY jeans, brightly colored masks, spiral dyed cropped tanks, statement bikinis, bucket hats, and so much more. The possibilities for this textile are truly endless and inspiration is bountiful. 

So, what makes tie dye work and fashionable?  As Alden Kramer says, it’s “seeing it worn well”. With that said, take some inspo from your fellow bruins and go add a splash of color to your life!  

Photos by Magie Le & Kayla Campbell

Ali Wood