Middle East Novelty Prints 2.0

Flashback Summer: Middle East Inspired Vintage Novelty Prints

In a previous post a loooong time ago, I highlighted some of my favorite Middle East/North Africa themed novelty prints that I had found across the internet.  I thought it would be fun to do an update post, for since then I've acquired some of the prints on that list and some new ones popped up along the way!

I got one of the prints on my list, a stunning black and white circle skirt with minarets on it:


Flashback Summer: Middle East Inspired Vintage Novelty Prints

I adore it!  I would wear it more often, but the length is pretty long on me and I don't often wear full 1950s skirts.  I REALLY wish I could reproduce the print to make into more me-ish silhouettes, but I just don't have the skill at this time.  (That being said, if you know anyone....)  I love how the design was made for a circle skirt and the bold, graphic look.  (You can read about it more in this guest post.)

I also posted about how I lost the matching skirt to this Casbah print top, and Aly Rose (@alyrosevintage) came to the rescue!  She happened to have a skirt in the gray colorway with a matching orange belt.  Obviously, I took it off her hands!  I've always loved this Casbah print, and I'd love to have it in every colorway some day.  So far I've seen versions in orange, black, green, and white in addition to this gray one.  I'll be photographing it soon to share!

There were a couple other Middle Eastern inspired prints that I've added to my wardrobe since then as well:

This 1940s abstract floral/paisley/horse/camel print I wore in a fashion show:
Flashback Summer: Middle East Inspired Vintage Novelty Prints

This 40s/50s? abstract turban-wearing hunter print:
Flashback Summer: Middle East Inspired Vintage Novelty Prints

This 1940s rayon turban hunter print dress with awesome cutout sleeves and perfect fit:
Flashback Summer: Middle East Inspired Vintage Novelty Prints

Flashback Summer: Middle East Inspired Vintage Novelty Prints

And lastly, this fabric I have yet to turn into a blouse that I absolutely love!
Flashback Summer: Middle East Inspired Vintage Novelty Prints

As is the norm for us vintage wearers, I've also discovered more prints and information about ones I had already seen that make me love them all the more.  Check out these amazing fabrics (and if you've got one you'd like to part with... let me know.)

unofficial Saul Steinberg for "A Regulated Cotton--Never Misbehaves" - Oasis 
(more info from the Vintage Voyager)


Flashback Summer: Middle East Inspired Vintage Novelty Prints

vintage print sold by Cheshire Vintage - Casbah Street Scene (?)


Flashback Summer: Middle East Inspired Vintage Novelty Prints

Arabian Nights print (dress available now--sadly not in my size--at Fab Gabs)
(Here and here it is in different colorways, too!)


Flashback Summer: Middle East Inspired Vintage Novelty Prints

Pretty white dress with abstract Middle East print (dress available now--sadly not in my size--at CheshireVintageShop)


Flashback Summer: Middle East Inspired Vintage Novelty Prints

Flashback Summer: Middle East Inspired Vintage Novelty Prints

Basically.... Go here to the Vintage Voyagers' Flickr photostream and see all my dreams!

Do you have any Middle East-inspired novelty prints or have seen some you think are awesome enough to add to my list?  Do you or someone you know have an amazing Middle East piece?  (If so, post a link to it below so we can all drool!)

4 comments

  1. You know...I have the skills to reproduce those prints.....I work in graphics for my day job and am pretty handy with the Adobe Illustrator pattern tool. If you take a good high res photo of one of the repeats on the skirt - or as many as there is, I can trace it.

    Actually I have a folder on my computer saved of all the 40s prints I've been wanting to trace. Its one of my hair-brained ideas for whenever I have enough capital to print my own fabric....To reproduce a 40s print and make a small collection of limited edition dresses.....One day.

    (I'm EM Originals on Insta if this Google username doesn't match up!)

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    Replies
    1. That is great to know! I'll catch you on Instagram and see what I can come up with!

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  2. I love seeing all of these together to showcase their similarities and differences! I rarely see them! If I find any I'll be sure to snag a pic next time and send it to you!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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