THEIA Resort 2016: Inspired by Bauhaus Textile Artist Anni Albers

I always enjoy visiting the THEIA showroom, but it’s an extra special treat when it’s to see a sneak peek of designer Don O'Neill’s brilliant new collection! 

The new THEIA Resort 2016 collection was inspired by the work of the extraordinary Bauhaus Textile artist Anni Albers.

Her simple and clean use of lines to create textiles and wall hangings, informed a minimal approach to the collection. Don began with navy blue ribbon embroidered tulle, woven thru with linear micro sequins, which is used throughout the collection.

The vibrational aspect of color she used in vivid stripes inspired nautical dresses and her graphic black and whites resonate in a mosaic-tiled embroidery, while white details accentuate clean lines on Black dresses.

A rose is interpreted as an illustration created using a series of straight “sketched” lines. A Floral print is rendered linear by printing on a striped silk gazar.

Metallic golds reflect her awe inspiring innovative metallic wall hangings, interpreted for the THEIA woman in metallic jacquards and silver glass beads hand embroidered on silk chiffon gowns. 

I was so excited to catch up with THEIA’s designer Don O'Neill who took the time out of his busy schedule to tell me about his incredible new collection!

It was fascinating to hear Don explain in granular detail how the 2016 Resort collection came to life. “It all really stared with Anni Albers who was this incredible Bauhaus textile artist from Germany,” said Don. 

Speaking about Anni’s background Don mentioned how she wanted to get into the architectural program but they wouldn’t let women in back then in the 1920s so her next love was textile art.

Don explained, “Anni did these amazing textiles and wall hangings. A lot of it was very linear and stripes. Color blocking and how colors bounce off of each other. Her wall hangings were interpreted into mosaics on the floor so I interpreted that into the black and whites. She also created a lot of ground-breaking metallics.” (These can also be seen in the collection.)

One of my favorite looks was the above floral gown which looked like it could have been taken straight from a water color painting and easily splashed on a movie star walking the red carpet.

The level of detail Don incorporates into THEIA’s designs is absolutely breathtaking. A picture can be worth a thousand words or in this case a thousand strategically placed beads! Although the photo certainly doesn't do his work justice you get the idea of just how much detail goes into each piece. 

Another one of my absolutely favorite looks was the above woven mesh crop top and striped ball skirt. It was sexy and chic, and such a standout piece.

Thank you so much Melissa and Don for having me! Check out the rest of THEIA's Resort 2016 photos below!