Tie One On

Consider it a throwback that Grandma would love – the humble kitchen apron has become the easiest, cheapest and prettiest way to liven up any kitchen … or cook

By Kate Sullivan
CTW Features

Today’s economy might make you think twice about fully remodeling your kitchen, but it doesn’t mean you can’t remodel your cook look. Combining color, style and a nod to nostalgia, the ageless apron gets a facelift. Here’s how a piece of the past makes a cool comeback in today’s kitchens.

For Margo Witzel of the Web-based specialty cakes company Edith+Ethel, her love affair with the apron began in culinary school. This apron enthusiast now makes the classic cooking cover-up for herself and friends.

“I started by giving one that I had made to a friend and the response was so great, it’s now my go-to gift and I have friends requesting me to make one for them all the time,” says the Chicago-based baker. Tim Bayless, the marketing manager of Jessie Steele, a Berkeley, Calif.-based family-run, vintage-inspired hostess and kitchen aprons business, observes a similar personal appeal with the popularity of their aprons.

“As we started, we saw more and more people taking interest in the nostalgic heirloom aspect of the apron. They remember their grandmother baking an apple pie and want a piece of that memory.”

For both Witzel and Bayless, blending purpose with personalization creates the winning combination. When Witzel designs her one-of-a-kind creations, she keeps the recipient of her gift as her inspiration. “I think about the personality as I pick out a fabric. Everyone enjoys having something made just for them.”

And for those not lucky enough to have Witzel in their inner circle? Bayless finds that his team produces the personal touch without being custom made. “We design all the textiles ourselves and each original print is only available for six months and then discontinued.” All styles tie vintage and contemporary together by paying tribute to the heyday of the apron. “Back in the ’60s, an apron might have had a bundt cake print. We’ve upgraded this look with a modern-day nod to the popularity of the cupcake,” says Bayless.

Image courtesy Jessie Steele

Who wears what

Love them or hate them but reality television’s spike in cook-off competitions motivate the masses to move back into the kitchen. “Our client base today is a younger audience,” says Bayless. “People are now remembering just how fun it is to cook.”

Form meets function

A good apron includes the original purpose of keeping clean while cooking in its design. “I recommend the full chef style. Most stains happen on the front of a person while leaning in to taste something. The full apron covers the shirt and the pants or skirt,” says Witzel. Look for one that has pockets, ties in the back, goes around the neck and is washable. This working piece gets a technological upgrade with one of Jessie Steele’s selection. “Our barbeque style comes complete with a bottle opener along the side and two pockets that can hold long-neck beers for the grilling man,” Bayless says.

The More the Merrier

Whether cooking alone or for a crowd, always have more than one at arm’s reach. For a fancy fête, Witzel dons her dressy apron. “When hosting guests, I opt for one that suits the occasion.” Think ruffles or a layered, skirted style for when guests arrive. And when not hosting, guarantee an invite back by moving past the traditional bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers and opt for an apron as the hostess gift. “For a relatively inexpensive price, it’s the cute piece anyone can afford that looks as great hanging in a kitchen as it does when worn,” says Bayless. Looking the part of chic chef has never been easier. From kitchen tool to must-have accessory, the modern-day apron moves from utility drawer to designer closets.

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