Timeless Classics Reinvented: The Appeal Of White Eyelet
The lightweight appeal of eyelet endures in offering fashionable interpretations that keep the fabric timeless. Offered in a variety of patterns, this soft and tightly woven cotton fabric provides versatile options of stylistic interpretation, for certain. Eyelet fabric is certainly a versatile and durable lace fabric that holds a long history in fashion. Perhaps considered a Summer material due to its airy appeal, however, the warm days of Spring may also simply beckon a frock of eyelet…
White Eyelet: !950’s Style
Eyelet can be described as a type of “Cutwork”lace that is characterized by small cut outs surrounded by embroidery edged using a “buttonhole stitch”. Often referred to as “Open work”, “White works”and “Pulled thread”, history links the origin of eyelet to Scotland during the 1700’s. Of note, in 1782 an Italian trader and specialist in fine Saxon embroidery, Luigi Ruffini, traveled to Edinburgh and introduced this white embroidery. With more durability than the “bone lace” that was common, this method of embroidery soon became popular and the term “Ayrshire needlework” was given to this cotton cloth of distinction. In France, “Broderie Anglaise” (French for English Embroidery) is referred to as “a whitework needlework technique incorporating features of embroidery, cutwork and needle lace that became popular in England during the 19th century”. Beautiful designs of eyelet cutwork would embellish cotton garments and even linens with great popularity. Precise holes, artistically arranged, in a fabric medium that offers patterns of fashionable delight!
The details of the eyelet are all at once romantic and feminine, perhaps even playful, but move beyond into a fashion statement of feminine elegance. A timeless classic in fabric detail that has been reinvented time and time again. Although eyelet can be found in a variety of colors, it is the white eyelet fabric that seems to be equated with the fabric itself. The myriad of arrangements of spaced holes create visual patterns of distinction. Whether interspersed with embroidered elements of large, bold designs or delicate lacy patterns that present a design of small, neat holes, the choices are perhaps personal. Fashionable interpretations, indeed…
White Eyelet: Fashion’s Evolution With Lightweight FabricFrocks Of White Delight: Eyelet FabricFashionable Representations Of White Eyelet On Fashion’s GlossiesCovers Of Fashion Layered In White EyeletFashionable Interpretations Of White EyeletDetails In White Eyelet: Fashion’s Classic ReinventionPure White Delight: The Captivating Fabric Of EyeletThe Quintessential White Eyelet: A Timeless ClassicVersatile Fabric Of Enduring Appeal: White EyeletTimeless Motifs of Lightweight Appeal: Eyelet FabricKate Moss & Models Of Fashion Within A World Of Eyelet InterpretationsEyelet Delight: Fashion’s Classic InterpretedFeminine Appeal: The Elegance Of White Eyelet
Consider the beauty of white eyelet. Fashion has certainly taken this fabric beyond the basics of being a cotton fabric of common pattern. Fashionable styles evolve. This lightweight and airy fabric that offers a refreshing appeal will certainly never go out of style. It will merely continue to be reinvented within the world of fashion..
Camel Hair. The “Hair of a camel” that provides lightweight adornment paired with warmth and striking hue. Considered one of the finest topcoats, Camel Hair is in fact a type of cloth known as a rich cloth of Asian Origin. History states that Camel Hair was used in clothing as early as the thirteenth century. Enduring fabric, for certain. Since Medieval times, the highest quality of Camel Hair was used to adorn the wealthy with luxurious articles of clothing. Of Interest, it was the two-humped Bactrian Camel that historically adorned the world since ancient times. Found from Turkey, eastward to China and Northward to Siberia, the distinctive appeal of Camel Hair certainly endures within the fibers of modern day Camel Hair. The iconic fibers of golden & tan are a supple textile delight of classic style.
A Timeless Classic: Camel Hair
For further historical interest and to validate the longevity of this natural fiber, in nomadic societies, and individual termed a “Trailer” held the responsibility of following the camel caravan, collecting hair tufts from the trail. Imagine! A camel typically produces 5 pounds of hair a year. The fibers are collected through combing, shearing and collecting the shed hair during the camel’s moulting season. The primary methods in the production of Camel Hair are collection, sorting, dehairing, spinning and weaving (knitting). These processes separate the coarse hair from the fine, soft hairs. The shedding fibers of Camel Hair are double coated, providing one layer of long, coarse and inflexible “Guard Hairs”(the outer protective fur) and an undercoat of soft, fine, downy fiber, which is the top grade fiber that will be woven into the highest quality fabrics. “Guard Hairs” can be softened through blending it with with wool. Of course, the best blends of camel hair in woven or knitted camel hair textiles are the pure Camel Hair cloth. Yet there are also Camel Hair cloths that combine a blend other fibers, such as wool. Of interest, wool blended into Camel Hair is said to provide a softer cloth than that of pure wool. Who knew? Measured into three grades determined by color and fineness in fiber, it is said that only 30 percent of the raw fiber is suitable for apparel products. A ratio that perhaps validates the investment of a garment of Camel Hair fibers. The highest grade of the fibers reserved for apparel is the light tan color that is fine and soft. Alas, whether 100% camel hair of an equal amount of merino wool added to soften the cloth, the enduring appeal of camel hair within fashion is apparent. With its luxurious soft feel with a supple drape, the brushed surface of Camel Hair provides warmth without weight. Enduring appeal as timeless statement of warmth and distinctive hue…
Historical Representations Of The Enduring, Natural Classic: Camel HairVintage “Camel Hair” In Fashion: Jaeger (April 1952/UK Vouge)
Of additional historical interest within the history of a fabric, “Cameline” has a direct link to Camel Hair. The term “Camaline” (pronounced Kam-a-leen) was a coarse fabric material also used in the middle ages. “Cameline” was imported from Cyprus and Syria into Europe. Described as a “Cloak of the Arabs made of Camels hair”, history has recorded this fabric as a “common and cheap” textile, as it was believed to be an imitation of the original Asian camel hair fabric. Who knew? The adornment of a faux Camel Hair garment was certainly a fashionable substitute for authentic Camel Hair that is classified as a “specialty hair fibre” . More affordability, for certain. Another variation of the “Hair Of A Camel” was “Camlet”, considered an imitation of Oriental camel hair cloth which is a blended version of animal hair, such as goat hair, paired with silk or wool. Providing a more wavy appearance, this durable plain cloth showcased visual distinction of the Camel Hair garment. Medieval France also produced an imitation cloth that was made of goat hair. The fibers, spun into yarn, were produced in Flander and Duchy of Brabant (a former province of Belgium). Used within both France and England to the end of the 17th century, perhaps the hair of the camel of Asian origin would replace as the adornment within the fashionable world from the 17th century onward. Woven in history, this “Hair of the Camel” is, indeed….
The Timeless, Classic Layer Of Camel HairNatural Fiber Delight: Camel Hair & Fashion’s EmbellishmentBlended Layer Of Natural Distinction: Camel HairRich Cloth Of Warmth & Style: The Enduring Classic “Camel Hair” CoatMasculine Edge In Classic Style Of Distinctive Warmth & Hue: Camel HairEnduring Appeal Of Classic Style: “Camel Hair” On The Man Of Style
Consider the timeless and distinctive layer of Camel Hair. A classic and polished appeal that endures. Although available in many neutral colors, including a range from light, reddish brown to black, the golden tan is the classic color of Camel Hair distinction. It is the warm color of the golden camel in its purest form that my focus of appreciation falls upon. The warm, light woolen textile of Camel Hair combined with wool or cotton continues to lure us. Although fashions designs are altered and changed each passing season, the classic and timeless fabric of Camel Hair remains an enduring element in fashion.
Whether found as a top coat of outerwear, a belted trench, a wrap coat, a cape or a classic blazer of ivy league distinction, the Camel Hair coat is a timeless classic. Ideal for the Fall and Winter Seasons, the Camel Hair garment endures in its fashionable appeal of warmth and golden hue of color…
The Timeless Elegance of “Tulle”The Graceful Ballerina: Layered In Tulle
In appreciation of a fabric. The flowing elegance and beauty of “Tulle”…
Perhaps the fabric of fairy tales with its ethereal quality, the fine weave of netting creates a ‘dreamy’ appearance that seems to float and glide effortlessly when gracing the woman it adorns…
Tulle(English pronunciation:”Tool”), is termed a “lightweight, very fine netting, which is often starched”. This fine mesh net fabric is typically made of fibers such as silk, rayon or nylon. Of course, associated with its primary use for ballet tutus or gowns (alas, the wedding gown and the wedding veil), the appreciation of this ‘fabric’ that adorns the woman is certainly worthy of appreciation in and outside of those traditional realms. A fabric of dreams which deserves our appreciation…
Of interest, the name “Tulle” comes from the French city of Tulle, in the southern, central region of France. The French are said to have begun ‘knitting’ the hexagonal mesh fabric around 1700. It is here that the tulle netting is believed to have initially originated. In fact, the appearance of tulle netting in early Parisian ballet costumes seem to confirm its wide availability within France. By the 18th century, Tulle, France became known as a center of lace and silk production. A long history of billowy layers, indeed. Of additional interest, the majority of tulle produced today is “Bobbinet”, a form of tulle invented in England by John Heathcoat in the early 19th century. It is said that Heathcoat invented a machine that mimicked the process of the hand movements of lace makers. Who knew? The bobbinet is “Constructed by looping the weft yarn diagonally around the warp yarn, creating a hexagonal weave”. The design of the wrapped threads maintain a state of tension and retain their shape, resulting in the lightweight, tulle netting of sheer bliss.
Vintage Elegance With Tulle
Tulle’s resurgence in the 1950’s with formal gowns would bring the adornment of tulle to a new appreciation. Originally, tulle was intended to be used solely as a base for lace to be stitched upon. The function of tulle was as an underlay beneath petticoats to create a “belled shape” using several layers of stiffened tulle or as an underlay for ball gowns and bridal gowns to create an effect of fullness or added to the hem under A-line and ‘mermaid’ skirts to again emphasize fullness. It would not be long before fashion found its flowing and elegant grace as a fabric with which to adorn the woman. The layering of tulle as the main fabric of a garment rather than just an underlay began a timeless use of this netted fabric of graceful and effortless flowing elegance. Indeed, there came a moment in fashion that “tulle” was admired as a fabric of its own. Modern fashion has been enamored with its layered and light-weight, airy bliss of the fabric that has provided allure for centuries. Fluid allure. Perhaps the more ‘modern’ use of tulle redefines the fabric itself. A fabric of stylish possibilities with elegance, Tulle is produced in wide array of colors. Beyond the multicolored tulle netting that delights the visual senses that is readily available, this mesh fabric can also be dyed to the delight of personal perfection. The link of tulle as a bridal and ballet fabric is eternal, yet to appreciate the beauty of its embellishment on the woman is a worthy and lofty tribute. A fashionable appreciation, for certain.
Airy Drama: The Billowing Glory Of TulleEthereal Elegance: TulleFairy Tale Flounce: The Beauty Of TulleWoven Net: The Effortless Flow Of TulleTulle: Lightweight GracefulnessFloating & Billowing Adornment: The Glory Of TulleTulle: Embellishment Of Style, Texture & ColorTulle Inspirations: The “Ballerina Tutu”
Whether it is the eveninggown or gowns of wedded bliss of flowing grace that our heart swoons upon or the appreciation of the sheer beauty of the layered tulle that “skirts” the poised and graceful ballerinas, tulle is a fabric that is magnificent and alluring. Timeless. An ethereal fantasy of delight. The lifting appeal with billows and fluffed layers of netted delight is an adornment that deserves appreciation. Flowing elegance of graceful adornment. The sheer enchantment of tulle, indeed.
Paisley is described as a droplet-shaped vegetable or floral motif of Persian and Indian origin. The pattern itself has been referred to as “Persian Pickles” by American traditionalists, especially by quiltmakers and “Welsh Pears” in Welsh textiles dates as far back as 1888. Who knew? Resembling a ‘twisted teardrop’, this kidney shaped distinctive design derives its Western name from the town of Paisley, in central Scotland. Again, who knew? The modern French word for paisley are Boteh and Palme. Palme reference the palm tree, a traditional botanical motif along with the pine and cypress that are thought to have influenced the shape of the paisley design.
The Timeless Paisley Motif
In India the design is known as “Mankolam” and in Persia the floral design is known as “Boteh Jegheh”. The design has been used in Iran since the Sassanid Dynasty (AD 224-AD 651) and later in the Persian Safavid Dynasty (1501-1736). The design itself has been a major textile pattern that has been used to decorate royal regalia, crowns, and court garments as well as textiles for the public for centuries. Quite a long history, indeed. In Pakistan, the design is referred to as the “Carrey Design“, which means “Mango Seed”. In Punjab, this pattern is referred to as an “Ambi”, which also means mango in Punjabi. Some design scholars also refer to the distinctive shape as Boteh and believe that it is the union of a ‘stylized floral spray and a cypress tree’: considered an expression of an ancient world religion and symbol of life and eternity. It is interesting to discover the importance and intended meaning of this stylistic and decorative iconic motif!
The East India Company imported the design into Iran during the first half of the 17th century and brought the rise of fashion of this iconic motif. The popularity grew in the European Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) between 1700-1800 as a belief in its ability to ward off evil spirits grew. The demand was so strong for this pattern that it proved challenging for the East India Company to even meet the demands. The central European introduction to this botanical motif began in Marseilles, France, in which mass produced patterns by way of the early textile printing processes began by local manufacturers in 1640 brought this design to the forefront. England soon followed in 1670 followed by the Dutch in 1678, the result of which provided competition between European weavers. In fact, by French royal decree from 1686-1759, the production and import of printed paisley was forbidden in France! Again, who knew? It was during the 19th century that European production of the design increased, particularly in the Scottish town of Paisley. It is said that soldiers returning from the colonies brought back with them silk, wool and ‘Kashmir’ shawls from India’s East India Company. The design itself was then copied and adapted for use on the handloom and after 1820, on Jacquard looms. From around 1800-1850, the weavers of Paisley, Scotland became the premier producers of these shawls. Unique additions to the looms of this town permitted them to work with 5 colors vs. the standard 2 color weaving loom. Interestingly, by 1860, the Paisley weavers produced shawls with 15 different colors! Technology advances of success, indeed! Their design became known as the“Paisley Pattern”. During the 19th century, Paisley was printed onto cotton and wool, rather than woven, onto textiles. It is stated that included with these textiles were cotton squares, the apparent precursor of the modern bandana! Of key, the ability to purchase printed paisley rather than the more expensive woven paisley added to its popularity. Interestingly, the central places of manufacture for the printed paisley were the Alsace region of France and Britain.
Paisley Inspirations
This iconic pattern is still widely popular in Iran and south and central Asian countries, where woven gifts using gold and silver threads on silk and other textiles are gifted for weddings and special occasions. In Iran and Uzbetistan, aside from clothing, the ‘Buta’ design is said to be found in paintings, jewelry, frescoes, pottery textiles such as curtains and tablecloths and even carpets. In interior design, with the continual appearance of this iconic motif on walls covered with wallpaper, fabrics, many textiles and decorative objects, it is clear that this pattern is here to stay. History and a traditional, classic motif carried through time.
The revival of the Paisley pattern follows fashion throughout history. A timeless design that seems to infiltrate each season, in some way, for both men and women. Its distinctive swirling pattern and botanical motif seems befitting for one’s Summer wardrobe. In lightweight materials or printed on classic staples, including accessories, incorporating this design into our Summer wardrobe is a timeless addition, indeed.
Fashionable Embellishments In PaisleyFashionable Paisley
Rethink Paisley. As with any pattern or design, it is how it is used. A less is more approach is always a winning statement in fashion. In interiors, touches of paisley are pops of interest in design. However, a more is more technique works as well. If you simply adore a design, the way you incorporate it will determine your own personal flair and sense of design. Just the way we should design our lives…
House Appeal 