Calico Wallpaper: From Interiors to Fashion
Remember the scene in The Sound of Music when Maria von Trapp dresses the Captain’s seven children in the brocade fabric from the drapes? Who knew that the guitar-playing governess would become a 21st century style trendsetter? That’s not to say you can cinch your curtains for an easy night-out-on-the-town outfit, but Calico Wallpaper is breaking the boundaries between home decor and fashion with its first-time collection of wearable art.
Known for its interesting patterns, ombre colors, and paper marbling techniques, Calico Wallpaper is expanding its design aesthetic through a partnership with Print All Over Me (PAOM)—a clothing manufacturer that produces custom garments with customers’ own unique digital prints. The result of the collaboration between Calico and PAOM is a collection of fresh, simple pieces perfect for a new spring look.
Showcasing a variety of jumpsuits, silk T-shirts, and oversized cocoon jackets, Brooklyn-based retailer Swords-Smith is selling Calico’s exclusive pieces for both men and women. What’s most alluring is that each of these never-before-seen items has an effortless yet artistic edge. 
Blending Bohemian ease and modern art, most of the loose-fitting garments are done in watercolor shades of teal, violet, and gray. Some items are slightly more graphic, for those customers with a bolder taste. These eye-catching prints—featuring a metallic gold pattern over a charcoal background—are attention-grabbing and fun conversation starters. However, for those that prefer to play it safe when it comes to their wardrobe, they can still enjoy Calico’s exclusive designs on candles, throw pillows, and functional tote bags.
This wallpaper-turned-clothing brand is a reminder that there are neither rules nor limitations to fashion. In fact, fashion is about what’s new and exciting, not about what’s been seen before. Just imagine: If wallpaper can become wearable, mainstream attire, then what other home goods can we incorporate into our personal styles? Shower liners as raincoats? Lampshades as handbags? Tablecloths as ponchos?
The options are exciting and endless, and like the Calico Wallpaper brand, we, too, can decide what fashionable possibilities the future holds.
Photography by R.Smith and Stephen Kent Johnson
