SILK, INFINITE AND REFINED BEAUTY

Finesse, longevity, ancestral know-how so many times reinvented, silk is an immemorial jewel that la Maison Torretto Tessuti is delighted to present to you! 

From its aesthetic qualities that revive the senses, silk delights in the tactile experience it offers us. Sometimes silk is soft and slips between the fingers. Sometimes this material is textured, like crepe.

Ponge, Mousseline, Crepe... the many forms it takes sound like real delights. Come and see for yourself! Follow us in this sensory adventure, which is the discovery of this incredible silk fabric.

WHAT IS SILK?

For more than 5 thousand years, silk has reigned over wardrobes and minds. But who is she really? 

Silk fabric is a natural fiber, of animal origin. Yes, there are different arthropods that produce silk: Bombyx butterflies, living on mulberry trees, which produce cultured silk. Caterpillars in the wild, which produce wild silk. And even spiders!

But how can such small animals produce such a subtle fabric? Well, the caterpillar for example, spins a cocoon in which it will transform into a butterfly. Before its appearance and its exit, the cocoon is smothered and the thread is thus recovered and transformed. The average length of thread is 600 m to 1 km per cocoon. Fascinating, isn't it? 

SILK, HOW TO CHOOSE IT ?

Silk is at the origin of all the possibilities of fabric weaves. From traditional garments to ready-to-wear and haute couture, there is not a wardrobe rung to which it does not lend its magic. Discover with la Maison Torretto Tessuti, 4 variations of the multiple forms to which this fabric, generator of fantasies and dreams, lends itself... 

But first of all, discover an essential indication to choose the silk fabric: Silk is measured in "momme" (MM). An Asian unit that measures the weight of silk fabric. The higher the number, the more opaque and resistant the fabric (1 MM equals 4.34 g/m²). So if you're looking for a high quality, non-transparent silk fabric, choose one with a high Momme or Weight ! Pretty easy, don't you think? 

Satin of silk

Ideal for lingerie, dresses or blouses, glove fetishists also revere this satin fabric. The satin silk is still available in ties, pouches, squares and scarves - with him the illustrious Hermès square has become legendary!

Silk pongee 

With its aura of "chic and prestige", which reveals and enhances the wearer, silk pongee has no rival in terms of delicacy. It is generally used to make handkerchiefs, scarves or high-end clothing.

Silk chiffon

The silk chiffon is particularly appreciated in scarf. Also, it is used a lot in the making of clothes dedicated to big events. What would be the ball gowns or wedding dresses without chiffon? 

Its aristocratic touch has even earned it the favor of the greatest designers: Prince of Silk, Yves Saint-Laurent, even elected it because of its fluidity, suppleness and sensuality. 

Crepe of silk

 

SILK, HOW TO MAINTAIN IT ?

Silk is a fabric with multiple properties that it is essential to preserve. Its secret? Its organic composition, which has so much in common with those of the human body, the living world and the cosmos:

The silk fabric is hypo-allergenic. It is an anti-bacterial material that does not retain impurities or dust due to the structure of its fibers. Silk is also thermoregulating. In summer, silk brings freshness and allows the skin to breathe. In winter, it acts as a natural insulator and guarantees warmth and comfort. 

To respect the fiber of the silk fabric during washing, it is enough to wash it by hand:

  • Soak the silk in slightly warm water with a suitable detergent for a few minutes. No need to scrub. If your fabric is stained, you can gently tap it with a clean, white, damp cloth.
  • Gently rinse the silk fabric.
  • Take the silk out of the water without twisting it. It is imperative not to wring out the silk fabric so as not to twist its thread and thus avoid damaging it.
  • You can then wrap and/or pat the silk cloth with towels to release the water. 
  • To dry, place the silk on a flat surface, away from sunlight as this could alter its dye. 

To iron silk, you need:

  • Set the iron to the lowest temperature and forget the steam mode. 
  • Place a damp cloth on the silk fabric and iron. Do not iron directly on the silk fabric as this could damage it. 

To sew the silk and cut it, you can use a starch spray to stiffen the material. Sewing the silk between tissue paper and using very fine needles will also preserve it.

Taking care of your silk fabric can be summed up in two main rules: Do not rub or wring it and do not expose it to a strong source of heat or light. Yes! Finally succumbing to this incredible material is not so difficult, is it? 

 

The palette of 100% silk fabrics is so vast that from one expression to another, it changes in nature, texture and shine. Eternal object of desire, it knows how to charm with its numerous appearances but also with its properties. Despite its cost, the benefits and beauty of silk are not to be neglected! This noble material is very famous. Queen of corsetry, underwear, evening or wedding dresses but also of ready-to-wear, it will be your best ally for all your creations if you dare!