WHAT IS SILK?

-The Story of Silk-

Origin & History

 

The story of silk begins in China approximately five thousand years ago. According to ancient legends, Empress Leizu once discovered a silkworm cocoon that fell into her teacup. She unraveled the thread and thereby discovered one of the most valuable materials known to humankind.  

Silk was considered as valuable as gold and became the foundation of the historic Silk Road, which connected continents and cultures.

For centuries, China preserved the production of silk with strict secrecy. Exporting silkworms or their eggs from the country was punishable by death. Those who knew the secret kept it well, and China monopolized silk production for a long time.

Silk is not just a material; it is a story of thousands of years of art, craftsmanship, and humanity's obsession with beauty.

-Production-

    Why silkworms?

 

      Silk comes from the larva of the silkworm Bombyx mori, a small creature that lives on mulberry trees. When the larva is ready for pupation, it produces a soft, tenacious silk protein that it spins around itself into a dense cocoon. A single cocoon can contain up to 1,500 meters of continuous thread.

       The cocoons are lightly steamed to release the thread without breaking it. Three to ten threads are then twisted together to form one strong silk thread. This craftsmanship is time-consuming and requires great precision, which largely explains why silk is so expensive.

   

-Properties-

   What makes silk unique?

  

      Silk is a natural protein material, and it's evident in every touch. It is incredibly soft and comfortable against the body, yet stronger than most other natural fibers — a silk thread can withstand more tension than a steel thread of the same diameter.

      The material is unique in regulating skin moisture: silk retains moisture where dryness prevails and draws moisture away from the skin when it's warm. This makes it ideal for both winter and summer clothing. Additionally, silk is inherently hypoallergenic, as it contains the proteins sericin and fibroin, which are naturally resistant to many allergens.

      Its luster is one of silk's most renowned characteristics. The threads reflect light in such a way that the fabric acquires a unique elegance that you won't find in any other natural material.

With proper care, silk is a durable and sustainable natural material. It is biodegradable, breathable, and ages beautifully. For us, silk is not just a material but an experience.

 

   -Price & Value-

Why is silk expensive?

 

      Silk production requires a lot of labor. Mulberry trees need careful tending. Silkworms are delicate; temperature, humidity, and nutrition must be exactly right. Cocoons are dried, and the threads are carefully extracted by skilled artisans. Every step is done by hand.    

      To produce a single simple silk blouse, about three thousand cocoons are needed, which means the same number of larvae and an immense amount of time on mulberry trees. A whole kilogram of silk requires the production of ten thousand cocoons.  

      When we put all this together—the rarity of the material, the amount of labor, its long history, and unique properties—one understands why silk has for thousands of years been a symbol of the finest available. It is a material that demands patience, precision, and knowledge at all stages.

 When you wear silk, you wear the heritage of thousands of years of human artistry.

 

 

Silk vs. Satin - What's the difference?

Many believe that silk and satin are the same, but this is not correct.

Silk is a fiber material, while satin is a weaving method.

   Silk refers to the origin of the material itself, which is a natural protein fiber. Satin, on the other hand, describes a specific weaving technique that creates a smooth and glossy surface. Satin can therefore be made from various materials, such as polyester, nylon, viscose, or even silk.

When "satin" is mentioned without further explanation, it often refers to a synthetic fabric with a glossy finish. Such materials may appear similar to silk at first glance, but they do not possess the same properties:

Faux satin is less breathable

It does not adapt to body temperature

It can accumulate static electricity

It does not have the same durability or natural softness

 

   Silk can be woven in a satin weave, and then it is called silk satin, which means it is real silk with a satin finish, not a synthetic material.

For us, this distinction matters. We work with 100% silk. The texture is natural, the sheen deep but not plastic-like, and the touch against the skin is soft and alive.