10 Interesting Historical Facts about Flowers in Fabric Design
Today's post is by guest writer Rachel Stinson. Rachel is a blogger and writer. According to her website, 'She expertly analyses real estates, restaurants and fashion stores with respect to pricing and people involved and can express her opinions in an unhesitant, engaging manner for all matters.'
Today, she is giving us 10 interesting historical facts about the use of flowers in fabric design.
There are very few women in the world who can resist the charm of flowers. Flowers have been an ultimate symbol of beauty and women are enchanted by their very presence, irrespective of age or origin.
With the new season hailing a floral passion, listed below are 10 historical facts about flowers in fabric designs.
1. Floral Fabric designs originated in the East, then travelled to the west from Asia. The first traders brought gorgeous silks printed with glamorous flower designs which were sold at very high prices.
2. Floral silks were the fashion statement during the Tang dynasty in the 618–907 AD in China and they grew in fame in the west one thousand years later (19th), when flower prints from China and Japan flooded the Western fashion scene.
3. Floral lace was used to decorate apparel in the Middle Ages (15th century). Lace was designed from the desire to decorate plain fabric edges, whether linen or heavier material. And this is stated in detail on “A Lace Lover’s Diary”.
4. Floral fabric designs also appear in heavy ornate fabrics from Persia during the Islamic Period during early 17th century. Most fabrics were embellished with tulips and pomegranates alongside vines, with elaborate designs woven in velvet which was more desired in the 17th century. Persian Flower fabrics were then brought to Italy by merchants from the Ottoman Empire.
5. Another popular variety of floral fabric in history is the Chintz. Chintz-cottons, branded by multicoloured block flowery patterns printed on shiny material, were introduced to Europe in the 17th century.
6. In the 17th century, the manufacturing process of flower fabric designs was still a mystery to Britain. But fortunately the production method was ultimately figured out by the British textile designers in 1759.
7. European flowers like daisies, roses and carnations were used in the 18th century to decorate stylish silk brocades, while twisting stems and flowers with bright colours were also popular in the 1780s with a preference for smaller tiny blossoms and sprig designs in the 1790s.
8. In 1832, the sunflower is the only flower that was depicted on fabrics. And consequently, the sunflower was later incorporated into wallpaper, tiles, etc. This classic floral subject was incorporated not only into apparel, but also into headgear and footwear.
9. Underwear is one of the areas of fashion where floral fabrics are almost indispensable. Seeing the big trends come and go, “Flower Power” from the 60s, even to 2014’s floral leggings, flower fabrics have always been produced. And the dramatic interpretations of flowers in spectacular fashion events cannot be forgotten.
10. Ornate floral designs and details have added a seductive touch to the realm of inner wears and are more preferred by women everywhere in the world.
