Silk Shawl

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.

About the Author

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silk shawl

Scents and Feel Solid Shawl Scarf with Small Stripes 100-Percent Silk This hand loomed shawl and scarf is made of 100-percent pure silk. The vibrant solid colors are mixed in 3 small stripes to create a sophisticated accessory which can worn for all occasions. Dressy as well as casual….

Block Printed Silk Organza Fringed Sheer Shawl Tablecloth Table Topper Ivory Brown Rust 60 $140.00 Gorgeous block printed sheer silk organza shawl with hand knotted fringe. Beautiful tones of rust, olive and gold are block printed by hand against a sheer beige background. Approx. 60″ x 60″. 100% Silk. Imported. Dryclean….

Emma Hart, later Lady Hamilton (circa 1761-1815) Photo Mugs A three-quarter-length portrait to right, seated on a rock at the entrance to a cavern. She wears an ivory muslin dress with a silk shawl tied around her shoulders, a blue green sash around her waist and a wide-brimmed straw hat. Her hands in her lap are joined together and her head is tilted to one side in a gesture of contemplation. The sea is loosely sketched on the right in the background, wit…

Woolite Dry Cleaner’s Secret Fragrance Free Woolite Dry Cleaner’s Secret, 6-Count $8.88 Professionally Clean Clothes Now at Home You can get a professional wash at home with Woolite Dry Clean at Home. This detergent formula leaves no spot unwashed and makes clothes cleaner and brighter. This is mild and doesnÆt harm clothes with any hard chemicals. It can clean clothes in no time. After wash, clothes will be ready to wear; no need to iron. 100% nontoxic Easy to use, comes with a us…

NEW Elegant Silk Pashmina Shawl Scarf Wrap(Great gift idea) Please note which color you like via email after ordering. Color:Crimson,Gray Zebra Stripe,Rose,Red Flowers,Cadet Blue…

Gold Brown Peacock Scarf,Scarves for Women-Italy Style White Silk Chiffon Shawl w/Hand Embroidered Gold Brown Peacock & Sequined Throughout .Soft Touch w/Convenient Size at 24 x 62 +7×2 For All Seasons. Satisfaction Guaranteed ! Gold Brown Peacock Scarf,Scarves for Women-Italy Style White Silk Chiffon Shawl w/Hand Embroidered Gold Brown Peacock & Sequined Throughout .Soft Touch w/Convenient Size at 24″ x 62″ +7″x2 For All Seasons. Satisfaction Guaranteed ! ASIN: B0040BJJMU Manufacturer: Eastern Cloud…

bebe Shawl Collar Anorak Vest Made from a blend of silk and polyester chiffon this bebe anorak is sure to give your off-silky looks an elegant twist. Features folded collar, exposed zipper detailing and front pockets. Offers drawstring at waist and full lining. Center back to hem: 35″….

70 x 28 Silk Paisley Self-design Pashmina Shawl / Wrap / Stole – Ivory $12.99 The touch of Silk to the Pashmina gives it a luscious and luxurious look. Because of its unique softness & comforting warmth, it can be worn all year round. Check out our entire Wallet Collection by Clicking here Wallet SelectionCheck out our entire Winter Accessory Selection by Clicking here Winter Accessory Collection…

100% Luxurious Charmeuse Silk Van Gogh’s Irises Long Scarf Shawl $42.95 This scarf re-creates one of Van Gogh’s masterpieces “Irises”. Dimension: 17″ W x 62″ L. For all seasons and any occasions, this scarf freshens and brightens your ensemble with an iridescent luster, vibrant colors and soft touch. Dry clean or Hand wash. About the Collection: This piece is from Dahlia’s Luxurious Silk Oil Painting Collection. Dahlia pioneered in adding those world-renowned art piec…

Large Animal Leopard Prints Scarf Shawl Scarf Silk Shawl Wrap Shawl Stole For Birthday gifts $14.99 This scarf will be a distinguished accessory that highlights the charm, elegance, and femininity in ladies. They work well for anyone, regardless of age, in complementing their natural beauty. Animal print designs are super hot right now, so don’t fall behind. Get this cheetah skin scarf today! Live like a movie star, because you’ll be the center of attention wherever you go. Description: Styl…

Sterling Silver ‘Silk Shawl’ Chandelier Earrings (Thailand) $45 Like fringe, shining pendants dance at the end of lacy earrings that evoke a silk shawl. Thailand’s Wadarat Supasirisuk crafts these beautiful earrings in sterling silver by hand.

Embroidered Floral Silk Shawl $63.99 Elegance is defined in this handmade shawl featuring luxurious silk construction. Floral embroidery highlights the wrap while beaded tassels trim the end.

Embroidered Lilac Silk Shawl $65.99 Elegance is defined in this handmade shawl featuring luxurious silk construction. Floral embroidery highlights the wrap while beaded tassels trim the end.

Selection Privee Paris ‘SUSAN Fuchsia Green Peach’ Wool/ Silk Shawl $52.99 This beautiful ‘SUSAN Fushia Green Peach’ paisley-printed wool and silk shawl by Selection Privee Paris features a lovely paisley pattern. The wool shawl is soft and wide, an ideal accessory for many outfits.

Embroidered Turquoise Velvet/ Silk Shawl $77.99 Elegance is defined in this handmade shawl featuring velvet and silk construction. Floral embroidery highlights the wrap while fringe trims the end.

US Flag Embroidered Velvet/ Silk Shawl $40.49 This beautiful shawl features the USA flag embroidered on either a white or black background. This scarf comes in one size and it dry clean only.

Selection Privee Paris ‘BIJOUX Chocolate Brown’ Reversible Floral Silk Shawl $52.99 Stay warm with this beautiful reversible-floral designed 100-percent silk shawl by Selection Privee Paris. This 80-inch accessory is sure to keep you warm just when you need it to.

Himalaya Trading Co. Black Pashmina and Silk Shawl $49.99 Elegant and luxurious, this versatile pashmina shawl from the Himalaya Trading Company is a must-have fashion accessoryWrap is crafted of a rich blend of pashmina and silkAccessory is ideal for year-round wear

Embroidered Blue Velvet/ Silk Shawl $71.99 Elegance is defined in this handmade shawl featuring velvet and silk construction. Floral embroidery highlights the wrap while fringe trims the end.

Handmade Red Embroidered Velvet and Silk Shawl Jacket $83.99 Handmade craftsmanship combines with fashionable prints to create a stunning shawl jacket. Silk and velvet embroidery are topped off with swingy tassels on this short jacket.

Handmade Red Embroidered Velvet and Silk Shawl Jacket $104.99 Handmade craftsmanship combines with fashionable prints to create a long, luxurious shawl jacket. Silk and velvet embroidery are topped off with swingy tassels on this long jacket.

Banarasi Silk Shawl ‘Golden Twilight’ (India) $41.99 Maroon paisleys dance in the golden feast that is this beautiful shawl from India’s Madhu Agrawal. The stylish wrap is woven on a jacquard loom with authentic Banarasi silk, creating an iridescent effect.

Selection Privee ‘Maeva’ Mango Green Paisley Wool and Silk Shawl Wrap $43.99 Wrap yourself in elegance with this engaging shawl from Selection Privee. This luxurious shawl wrap features soft wool- and silk-blend construction and a vivid mango green paisley print.

Silk ‘Butterfly Bliss’ Batik Shawl (Indonesia) $38.49 Wrap yourself in the luxury of a silk batik shawlElegant accessory is made of 100-percent silk Shawl features blissful butterflies that browse luxurious blossoms on rich brown silk

Silk and Cashmere Wool ‘Purity’ Shawl (India) $53.99 Add that perfect accent to your ensemble with a handmade shawl from India. This Purity white silk shawl is crafted of silk and cashmere wool for a luxurious feel.

Silk ‘Javanese Blue’ Batik Shawl (Indonesia) $39.99 Classic Javanese batik patterns inspire this elegant silk shawl. Yuni Kristina selects the eight-pointed rosette once reserved for the sultan, and the triangular tumpal pattern for this shawl.

Himalaya Trading Company Hand-woven Metallic Shawl $46.49 Gorgeous pashmina silk shawl is interwoven with metallic threadGet yourself red carpet ready with a shawl that shimmers and shinesElegant accessory will take you from day to evening in just a sparkle

Silk ‘Red Lotus Floral’ Batik Shawl (Indonesia) $32.99 Red and white lotus blossoms form a floral fantasy on a tan silk shawl. With its wide, contrasting borders and narrow fringe, this shawl by Yuni Kristina is a beautiful example of Javanese batik art.

Silk ‘Javanese Rosettes’ Batik Shawl (Indonesia) $39.99 Classic Javanese batik patterns inspire this elegant silk shawl. Yuni Kristina selects the eight-pointed rosette once reserved for the sultan, and the triangular tumpal pattern for this shawl.

Silk and Cashmere Wool ‘Passionately’ Shawl (India) $54.99 Add that unique highlight to your look with a handcrafted shawl from India. This Passionately red silk shawl is made of silk and cashmere wool for a luxurious feel.

Silk ‘Bogor Lady’ Batik Shawl (Indonesia) $39.99 Yuni Kristina draws on millennial Balinese traditions to create this exquisite shawl. Working in batik on silk, she combines modern motifs in red and orange on this hand-spun silk shawl.

Silk ‘Java Sea’ Batik Shawl (Indonesia) $39.99 Yuni Kristina conjures classic Javanese batik patterns in mesmerizing shades of blue for this shawl. Stamped by hand on a luxurious silk shawl, they include the dagger, flowers and the eight-pointed rosette patterns once reserved for royalty.

Silk ‘Purple Ikat’ Shawl (India) $85.99 India’s Ritu Agnihotri selects a delightful ikat motif for this silk shawl. Before they are placed on the loom, the fibers are carefully tie dyed, in such a way that the patterns emerge during the weaving process, creating a lovely handcrafted shawl.