My mom had gifted me her scarf – a heirloom passed through generations. Made of the finest silk, the navy colored beauty was almost like a piece of art. Then, I didn’t know how to style scarves but during my travels to colder places I would carry it with me and wrap it around my neck. I was surprised on how warm the lightest of silk can be compared to a thick woolen scarf.
My love affair with scarves got exemplified, when I realized that they were the perfect accessory to wrap around your wrist, tie on your bag or make a smart knot. A scarf can transform any outfit. It a timeless accessory that helps clothes last longer in our wardrobe.
Scarves have a long history, across cultures, a symbol of beauty, a symbol of modesty. In South Asia, where I grew up, dupattas or long scarves drapes around the neck or shoulder, are given a lot of attention. Embroidered, dyed, adorned with laces, and gold threads it was the pride of any outfit. Designing your Dupatta would cost you more than the entire outfit on which it would be draped. In our journeys to South East Asia, head scarves or Tudungs, are also the highlight of any outfit. With limited jewelry worn –headscarf were almost bejeweled. Women spent time, and money on buying tudungs, which would turn heads .
Here in the Middle East hijabs are mostly solid colored, but there is so much beauty in how they are draped.
Silk is an ancient luxury, a fabric that launched an adjective “silky” and a trade route. Born in China, dating to 3000BC it is a less democratic material than linen, reserved only for the royal family. As restrictions were lifted on the usage of Silk, it transformed into currency, with taxes being paid in silk. But silk and its production was a well kept secret and it was only in 300 AD that the techniques spread to other parts of Asia.
Silk being natural, is also biodegradable, and the mulberry tree on which silk worms grow is a hardy plant that needs very little water, and adds to biodiversity. Silk production uses /more water, but when we compare to the synthetic alternatives, which have the same texture as silk – Silk is significantly better for you and for the planet.
100% pure silk is hypoallergenic, so if you use silk to cover your head or tie around your neck, you wont be attracting acne or any allergies.
Silk has the perfect thermal balance, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. It also locks in moisture and hence aids in keeping your hair, or skin moisturized. Silk scarves when worn on your hair, can keep hair free of tangles and reduce breakage. It can absorb sweat and remain dry to the touch. Silk is an extremely strong fabric despite its delicate look and hence can last for years or generations.
We think the switch to Silk is a no brainer, especially when the skin desires something smooth and your look needs some glamor.