 |
Silk is a beautiful, natural fabric. For centuries it was considered the most luxurious and sensuous of all fabrics. It has been prized for its comfort, elegance and strength. A silk filament is stronger than a steel filament of the same diameter!
Because of the triangular structure of its filament, silk has unique light-reflecting properties which make colors printed on silk particularly vibrant. Its luxurious feel, luster and ability to capture color have inspired artists throughout history.
Silk was discovered in China about 5,000 years ago. The Bombyx moth, unique to China at the time, lays 500 or more eggs in 4-6 days, and about 30,000 silk worms are hatched from one ounce of eggs. Thirty thousand worms will produce 12 pounds of raw silk. Once hatched, the worm enters the cocoon stage.
Each cocoon produces a filament between 650-975 yards in length! Between five and eight of these super-fine filaments are twisted together into one thread. The silk threads are then woven into cloth. The silkworm of this particular moth produces a thread whose filament is smoother, finer and rounder than that of other silk moths.
For many centuries the Chinese guarded the secrets of silk production and put to death anyone found to have smuggled cocoons or eggs outside China or to have revealed the secrets.
Silk was the cloth of royalty and aristocrats. Elizabeth I and Charles II both employed French weavers to produce silk for the decoration of their courts. During the Elizabethan age, silks were an essential item in the wardrobe of every fashionable woman. Although other countries continue to produce silk, China remains the world leader.
|
|
SILK QUALITY
The quality of silk is determined by its type, weight and weave. Chiffon (a sheer fabric made with twisted yarns), silk charmeuse (it looks like satin, but with a softer drape), and silk twill (a dense, double thread weave with fine diagonal lines throughout), are a few examples of type and weave. You will find these in our silks.
The weight of silk is called momme (pronounced "momay"). Our twill silks are 12 and 14 momme, a sumptuous weight. Luscious to the touch, our silks are the same high-quality fabric and weave found in silks selling for twice the price. Silk has a soft feel, excellent color absorption, natural strength and soil and water resistant properties. Look through our website to select the silks that will enhance your wardrobe and find perfect gifts for those you love. Each design is unique. We hope you will enjoy decorating with and wearing the silks inspired by some of the most beautiful sacred art of the world. |
|
|
|
|
AN INDISPENSABLE FASHION ACCESSORY
On a trip to Paris several years ago, I noticed that there was something about the way the French women were putting themselves together that made them look very fashionable. I saw that many of them were wearing scarves or wraps of some kind. They were tossed over their shoulders, wrapped around their necks, a small broach added for sparkle, tied in a bow or knot...every which way. But, they looked great!
 In the heyday of Hollywood, scarves added glamour. Sunglasses and a scarf camouflaged many a star and Jackie Kennedy often wore scarves this way. Grace Kelly even used a silk scarf as a sling to support her broken arm!
Silk scarves are cool in summer (they contract in heat) and keep you warm in winter (the fibers expand with cold). Silk twill resists wrinkling and can be folded down to a small size. Just tuck it in a pocket or your purse it will be there when you need it.
Add a scarf to a plain dress and transform it. Tie a scarf around your shoulders and perk up an ordinary turtleneck sweater.
Make an ascot for your suit to brighten it up, or use your scarf as a blouse under that solid blazer. Add color, sparkle, sophistication, dramatic effect and a finishing touch to any outfit. Scarves are truly indispensable accessories!
|
| |
|
|
