Brocade - luxurious fabric with a rich history

Brocade - luxurious fabric with a rich history
How to wear
White
Gold
Dresses

brocade Brocade dress - a sure sign of wealth and power. In fairy tales, and in reality only the most distinguished and wealthy people could afford the luxury of brocade outfits. What is this precious fabric, which in earlier times was valued more than gold?

What is a brocade?

The word "brocade" is of Persian origin. Initially, so it called a silk fabric (sometimes cotton) basis, as part of which used the thread of precious metals. In ancient times, metallic threads made of real gold and silver, and later to replace precious metals came various alloys, which significantly reduce the cost of fabric and reduce its weight. Finer metallic ribbon twists around a cotton thread, and the resulting flexible and dense shiny tinsel was used as the weft (and sometimes much less - base) fabric. The result is a very dense and heavy decorative fabric with a metallic sheen, which was used to make clothes of priests and nobles.

Depending on certain characteristics of the composition and production of brocade has many varieties. Woven fabrics of metal thread has a different name: baberek, pestilence, brocade, altabas, Brocato and others.

The origin and history of brocade

As a brocade fabric on silk-based, it is not surprising that she was born in the same place where he started production of silk fabrics - in China. During the Song Dynasty has woven brocade (960-1279 gg.n.e.). For the manufacture of clothes of Chinese emperors used by the best brocades - "yun", the production of which it was extremely time-consuming. For the manufacture of brocade used the best silk, gold, silver, precious stones, feathers and many different species of birds. Time for production orders took a lot - up to thirteen per imperial dress - but the result is stunning.

Introduced in China in the beginning of our era precious fabric will soon become known in the countries of Asia Minor. In Persia and Syria brocade art production reached great heights: thanks to the work of the finest masters of fine brocade fabric colors are rich and luxurious decor.

In India brocade it has become popular due to enterprising Chinese refugees to organize the production of unique fabrics. Indian brocade called "kinhab" differs delicate floral patterns of metal thread on a silk basis. According to legend, the Indian brocade, dazzling brightest shades of red, blue and gold, were wrapped the remains of Buddha.

Since brocade dresses were particularly in demand by the clergy, the production of precious fabrics are usually located in cities that are far away from the centers of religious cult.

However, not only priests paraded in brocade robes. Expensive fabrics relished and members of the royal families in Europe, where fashion brocade came from Byzantium. Brocade produced in the Byzantine Empire to the European royal courtyards, decorated with rich embroidery, gems and gold. Of course, such a fabric could not be cheap - it is valued higher precious metals and furs Fur - Luxury is timeless and it was available only to the richest people. Byzantine craftsmen carefully kept secret of brocade and severely punished those who tried to find out. But, although the disclosure of trade secrets brocade in Byzantium was tantamount to treason Treason: Fall or loyalty to yourself? Eventually learned to weave brocade worldwide. In the Middle Ages the secrets of weaving brocade already owned not only the Byzantine, but Sicilian, Italian, French and Spanish masters.

At the end of the sixteenth century brocade tried to produce in Russia, but the Russian brocade not become as famous as it is Persian and Byzantine. However, this did not prevent Russian aristocrats flaunt at official receptions in brocaded dresses even in the XIX century, when the glowing tissue has already become less popular in the world.

With the spread of brocade and changes in production technology, the price of this tissue decreased. Already in the late eighteenth century brocade not only used for making dresses for the clergy and the nobility, but also in the manufacture of shoes and jackets. Later the fabric was used for the decoration of the house, for example, as upholstery or curtains.

XX century has brought about changes in the production of brocade. New technologies and materials have helped to significantly simplify and cheapen production. Modern brocade significantly lighter in weight and more comfortable to wear, and its cost is much less than that of the precious fabric predecessor. However, the modern version of a classic brocade side do not look less elegant than the tissue, which in the old days used to make royal vestments.

Brocade in contemporary fashion

Exquisite fabric with thousand-year history and popular in the world today, and is now a luxury brocade outfits can afford not only the royals. Precious brocade shine for exclusive evening dresses, made of this fabric sew wedding dresses, it is used for the production of the most sophisticated accessories.

Now luxurious brocade outfits can afford not only the royals. Precious brocade shine for exclusive evening dresses, made of this fabric sew wedding dresses, it is used for the production of the most sophisticated accessories. Modern brocade available, it holds its shape well, great drape and almost crumpled. For special occasions dresses made of brocade are indispensable, but the use of this fabric requires special care. To wear such a luxury fabric and frankly not look vulgar, it has a delicate taste and, of course, listen to the advice of fashion designers, selecting and combining style brocade with other fabrics. Proper use of radiant brocade allows us to emphasize the solemnity of the moment and to create an unforgettable image, because every woman in the brocade toilet becomes a little queen.