Silk Shawls – The Essential Accessories Which Have Moved With The Times

Shawls have been around since time immemorial.  Worn by men and women all around the world, they have been used as practical items for warmth or protection from the sun, as well as high fashion accessories.  They have formed part of the traditional dress in many different countries and they have been worn at particular events, and there are even special shawls which are worn for certain occasions, such as the prayer shawl.  Somehow though, when most people think of shawls, they think of them as being an old woman’s garment, similar to a bed jacket.  The image is of grandma huddled around a log fire, wrapped in her favorite black shawl to keep out the cold.  These wonderfully practical and beautiful accessories, however, have changed and adapted throughout the ages, and the stunning hand dyed shawls made from silk which are available today bring a look of elegance and sophistication to women of all ages.
 
Unlike the thick woolen shawls of yesteryear which hid the figure and often looked bulky, today’s silk shawls are dreamy, floaty works of wearable art.  The fabric drapes in such a way that they are flattering to women of all shapes and sizes and the handmade examples carry unique designs to suit all tastes and styles.  The range of dyes which are used to create these stunning accessories also mean that finding one to go with a modern outfit presents no problems at all.
 
Although often used purely as functional items years ago, shawls were still typically handmade.  As time moved on, however, mass production took over and many of the examples which are still to be found in department stores today are factory-made.  These though, are no substitute for the hand dyed examples which are designed and created with the loving care and attention of real artists.
 
Of course the practical qualities which have made shawls so popular for centuries are equally as important today as they always were, and despite its light weight and fine texture, silk offers all the warmth of much heavier materials.  They can be worn in place of a coat or jacket and still keep out the chill air, and worn over the top they make an especially striking and elegant fashion statement.  In addition, the colorfast dyes which are used to create handmade shawls will not run or fade and the shawls themselves require no special cleaning but can simply be hand washed to keep them in perfect condition.
 
As evening wear, shawls have always made a strong fashion statement.  Think of the elegant ladies of the 1800s with their gorgeous evening gowns and intricate shawls which gave a tantalizing glimpse of their shoulders to their male admirers.  Today, that perfect holiday outfit or special dress can look even more stunning with the addition of a handmade shawl made from 100% pure silk.  The soft, silky feel of the fabric is unmistakable and a mark of true luxury which is perfect for those special evenings out.