Silk does for the body what diamonds do for the hands.
— Oscar de la Renta
The actual discovery and crafting of silk fiber, known as sericulture, into fabric is lost in the mists of time and myth but archeological evidence dates the use of silk as far back as 3,500 BCE — 5,000 years ago in China. The secret of silk production was kept by China for thousands of years, contributing to its mystery. Around 130 BCE, China began trade with the West with the first of what would become known as the “Silk Road,” (the term was coined by a German geographer in 1877CE) and so began the process of revealing China’s great secret. Silk production would eventually become an important economic base for many civilizations and countries including Egypt, India, Japan, Korea, Persia, the Roman Empire and modern Europe.
Though there are several sources for silk (wild silkworms, spiders, even a sea slug), it is the domesticated Mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori, that is responsible for the silk we commonly experience today. For about 25-30 days, Bombyx mori feeds non-stop on the leaves of the white Mulberry tree; leaves that must be the same age as the silkworm! It then spins its cocoon in a single long filament extruded from glands in its head and comprised of a protein, fibroin, and sericin, a gummy substance that binds and protects the cocoon. Because the emergence of the adult moth would break the almost mile long thread that forms the cocoon, it is immersed in hot water, killing the larva and dissolving the sericin. This allows the unwinding of a single unbroken thin thread so fine it must be twisted together with several other threads to make a strand strong enough for weaving a fabric.
Silk is often called the “Queen of Fabrics” because it is soft and smooth to the touch, drapes in a beautiful, flowing manner, accepts dyes readily for brilliant colors and has a lustrous, shiny look. Throughout its long history it has been considered a luxury fabric.
Though luxurious, silk is stronger than cotton and linen, sheds dirt and dust, is hypoallergenic, absorbs and releases moisture quickly, is wrinkle resistant and literally stands the test of time as the 5,000 year old silk found in a Neolithic Chinese grave proves. These attributes make silk a worthwhile investment but there are some less desirable characteristics to consider, as well. Silk does not conduct heat well, tends to fade if exposed to strong sunlight for too long and generates static electricity.
The most common weaves for silk are plain, satin, and twill, but there are numerous types of silk fabrics — a testament to the inventions and technologies of the many countries that have taken up silk production over centuries. Today’s consumer can easily find many silk textures and patterns such as the intricate designs of Jacquard weaving and the raised patterns of Brocade. Silk is also blended with other fabrics to produce silk velvet, silk chiffon, silk crepe, silk organza, silk georgette, and more.
Silk can be hand washed in cold water using a mild detergent (no bleach or chemicals). To dry, gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat.Use a steamer or iron on low setting to remove wrinkles. If using an iron, use a low setting and iron on reverse side. Store out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
With so many silk options available, it is easy to incorporate the luxury of silk into your Purely Personal wardrobe and to be a part of royal fabric history!
