Ikat print, with ethnic or tribal prints are all the rage

Carol O’Callaghan is astonished to discover her lounge gear in Ikat print is this season’s hottest interior fabric.

An uncharacteristic and slightly hesitant purchase of mine late last summer — a pair of patterned harem pants — was prompted by the appeal of its slightly stretchy fabric and elasticated waist band. At the time, something built for comfort was required as we faced into winter and the prospect of needing a garment capable of accommodating ribsticking comfort food. Indeed it did sterling work some months later on Christmas Day.

So imagine my astonishment when it prompted gasps of admiration from friends who have taste, really good taste in fact. Apparently, the pattern is in-vogue ikat print, a close relation of Aztec print which, with ethnic or tribal prints as they are also known, are all the rage.