Through The Decades: Bali High

Every print in the Tori Richard archive captures a moment in time and a piece of history.  Each season, a few of these prints are reimagined in new color palettes and fabrications proving their timeless nature within our modern day ready-to-wear collections.  

Bursting into our summer rotation with its bright color palette is Bali High, an original Tori Richard women’s print from 1962.  Reminiscent of Balinese block print and batik, this print embodied the spirit of travel in the sixties when flying to far-flung tropical destinations began to popularize in the United States.

Material Matters

In the sixties, our Bali High print was transformed into a plethora of outfits for women on their dream vacations—tunic sets, playsuits, shifts, sheath dresses, cocktail dresses, and even a bathing suit!  These styles were made from Arnel® triacetate “Sharkskin”.  It was a crisp fabric that could be machine washed and retained its whiteness unlike other synthetic fabrics that can yellow over time.  

Modern Transformation

Now sixty years later, Bali High retains its timelessness with a fresh new look and feel.  What was once Arnel® “Sharkskin” is now our  premium 100% Cotton Jacquard. The golden chartreuse palette has been exchanged for bright teals, peachy pinks, and sunset orange hues. Details like the diamond texture in our new fabric and the retro silhouette pay homage to the vintage versions.

Explore Bali High in four new styles—the Adele dress, Mimi dress, Calise skirt, and Nola short. 


1 comment


  • Silvia martins

    Love your clothes! I would like to see some of the fabulous retro lines from the seventies return! In the Kauai store recently, I saw a poster from your 1976 line and there was a long red dress that looked fantastic.


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