Luxurious and lustrous, silk has draped royalty and runways for millennia. From ancient trade routes to modern ateliers, this natural wonder continues to define elegance.
When luxury fashion comes to mind for people, silk is often the first thing that pops up. It just has that unique charm! Silk is admired for its sheen and sophistication, it has been a beloved choice for many throughout history. What sets silk apart, making it so sought after in the fashion world even today?
Let us dive deeper into what makes silk a go-to option, for designers and fashion lovers.
The Origins of Silk: A Tale from Ancient China
The story of silk originates in China and is just as intriguing as the material itself! The story goes that Empress Leizu stumbled upon silk when a silkworm cocoon fell into her tea by accident one day while she was trying to pick it out from her drink, the threads began to unravel before her eyes and thus sparked the ingenious idea of creating fabric from these tiny creatures. Thus, marking the birth of sericulture. The age-old practice of rearing silkworms to produce this luxurious fabric a closely guarded secret by the Chinese, for several years.
The silken cloth wasn't merely a fabric. It represented prestige and influence in society's eyes. It was a luxury reserved for the few and held such worth that it served as a form of currency. Once silk travelled to the world, it quickly became a fashion statement at its pinnacle and a clear sign of prosperity.
Silk in the Modern Era: A Fabric for All Occasions
Silk continues to captivate us today, remaining a choice, in both casual and formal attire. What sets silk apart is its versatility. Unlike fabrics confined to specific seasons or occasions, silk can be worn throughout the year. It offers breathability and coolness during summer days while providing warmth in the winter. This adaptability has made silk a preferred choice for fashion lovers. Yet it's not about practicality, there's a sense of luxury in the smooth feel of silk against the skin and its graceful draping effect. Whether it's a saree for a special occasion or a simple scarf to elevate your look with a touch of refinement, wearing silk adds that extra touch of sophistication and charm.
Silk and Sustainability
Today, where the preservation of the environment is of great concern, the fabric silk is an excellent choice as it not only offers elegance and style but also sustainability. This is a natural fibre that does not damage our environment. On the contrary, synthetic fabrics are the products of those materials which are potentially harmful to our environment. Hence, there are not only the factors of comfort and luxury in choosing silken goods but also the aspect that they are made more sustainably.
Taking Care of Silk
Although clothes made of silk are delicate, they can be used for years if properly taken care of.
Washing: One must always read the label of care and wash the hands before and after. Some of the silk products may not be washed at all apart from dry cleaning while others are best washed by hand in cool water using a mild soap detergent. Do not twist or ring out silk, the dampness should be squeezed gently out of it.
Drying: Do not dry silk in direct sunlight as this can result in fading of the colours on the fabric. Put your garment on another clean towel, fold it to get rid of as much excess water then unfold it to air dry.
Ironing: If you have to iron the silk then do this while it is damp with water and ensure that you use the lowest temperature while ironing. Lay down a cloth between the iron and the silk so that it is protected from any harm.
Silk: The Fabric That Never Goes Out of Style
Well, we all know that silk fabric never goes out of style and that is not only because of how it looks or feels, this fabric can be matched for every occasion while adding a part of its appeal. Whether you want something for your office wear or a special event, silk adds a dash of elegance and exclusiveness.
It is quite symbolic to think how such a fabric as silk started in China and became integral to today’s fashion shows. Over the years this fabric has proven to be stylish and sensitive and is still the most preferred material among designers as well as fashion-conscious people. The fabric that will never lose its relevance in the fashion industry is silk if, of course, you are willing to spend.
Are you interested in adding some silks to your wardrobe? Discover our silk fabrics and make sure to visit our store to see what this classic fabric looks like.
