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A Color for Steely Eyes | Light Blue Skirts by Lithuanian Designers

  • A Color for Steely Eyes | Light Blue Skirts by Lithuanian Designers

    2026-06-31

    Light blue garments have been crafted for centuries, and by the 17th century, dyeing technologies had advanced sufficiently for this color to emerge as a distinct fashion trend.

    Yet one of the most famous shades of sky blue originated in 1905.

    The shade itself was already known across various countries under different names—in France as Bleu céleste, and in German as Eisblau (reflecting its subtle grey undertone). However, in 1905, the shade was codified and officially named Alice Blue, inspired by the charismatic daughter of the U.S. President, Alice Roosevelt Longworth.

    When Theodore Roosevelt assumed the presidency in 1901, his eldest daughter Alice was seventeen. A young woman of strong character, razor-sharp wit, and an unmistakable sense of style, she quickly became a darling of the press.

    Greyish-blue garments were among the favorites in her wardrobe. According to her father, Alice favored this hue because it complemented her „steely eyes“ exceptionally well.

    The color gained widespread public notice when the president's daughter chose it for several landmark occasions, including the 1902 christening of the German Kaiser's yacht and the 1905 diplomatic mission to Asia. During the latter journey, the 21-year-old presidential daughter became the true center of attention, outshining even high-ranking diplomatic delegates.

    The month-long mission drew immense international media coverage, frequently featuring the „American Princess“ dressed in her signature ice-blue attire. This permanently forged the connection between the shade and Alice Roosevelt, sparking a lasting fashion phenomenon.

    In 1905, Alice Blue became an official fashion trend and was named the color of the year.

    Although Alice Roosevelt Longworth's personal taste evolved over time, Alice Blue retained its popularity. Over the decades, it became intertwined with an image of nostalgic youthfulness, further reinforced by the hit 1919 Broadway musical Irene.

     

    "In my sweet little Alice blue gown
    When I first wander'd down into town
    I was both proud and shy
    As I felt ev'ry eye
    But in ev'ry shop window I'd primp, passing by"    —sang the ambitious heroine of the musical.


    Over more than 96 active years of life, Alice Roosevelt Longworth left an indelible mark on Washington public life. She is believed to have personally known more U.S. presidents than almost anyone else—sixteen in total.

    Yet her most enduring stylistic legacy remains the steel-blue Alice Blue, despite subsequent attempts to replicate the phenomenon (such as „Helen Pink“, named for Helen Taft, or „Nell Rose“, for Woodrow Wilson's daughter).

    While no other shade named for a presidential daughter achieved similar acclaim, various light blue hues remain extraordinarily popular in contemporary fashion.

    In this newsletter, we have curated three blue skirts, one of which closely mirrors the classic Alice Blue shade.

    All Blue Skirts by Lithuanian Designers (and More)

     

    Relaxed Elegance


    Remember when we wrote about the Italian concept of sprezzatura a few weeks ago?

    This midi-length A-line skirt is ideal for creating an effortless, relaxed, yet instantly striking look.

    Crafted from a fluid blend of 53% cupro and 47% EcoVero™ viscose, the fabric is as soft and comfortable as it is flattering on the figure.

     

    THREE IDEAS: Founder's Favorites


    Taste cannot be reduced to algorithms.

    Trends come and go, but personal style endures. We love seeing how creatively you style and mix different pieces from Baltas Miškas to build your unique wardrobe.

    We naturally have our own personal favorites, too. Today, we're sharing three pieces currently favored by Baltas Miškas co-founder Ieva.

    1. Lightweight cotton summer sweater
    2. Medium-sized silk scarf
    3. Dusty pink long summer raincoat

     

    Essential Forms


    This one-size wrap midi skirt featuring a foundational silhouette impresses above all through its refined tactile quality.

    A beautifully draping blend of 55% linen and 45% viscose delivers the breathability of natural linen combined with the softness and crease-resistance of viscose.

    The Characteristics of Alice Blue


    Alice Blue is a shade where soft sky-blue merges with a subtle steel-grey undertone.

    The base tone of this skirt is remarkably close to the classic Alice Blue hue, sharing its signature optical properties.

    On smooth textiles, this shade provides a subtle luster and an exclusive feel. On a textured weave like this skirt, another property of the shade shines through: its capacity to give structural definition to the silhouette.

     

    Harmonious Composition


    Fabric, print, and cut work in total synchronization in this piece.

    The 55% cupro and 45% linen composition creates a subtle moiré-like depth, serving as a canvas for a pastel floral motif set against a sky-blue background.

    Front and back pleating provide structured volume, allowing the textile pattern to unfold gracefully in movement.