Gorgeous Shawls... and Their Trends
A little history about one of the favorite fashion accessories... the shawl
Unfortunately the origin of shawls cannot be pinpointed to one culture or time period. However, it is known they've been around for many centuries. Originally, they were created to provide additional warmth for people who lived in cold areas. People of all income levels owned them. Over time, they became more and more intricate in design and quickly were considered to be precious gifts and belongings. They were collected and bought by kings and queens in many cultures. As weaving technology advanced, the designs became very intricate and many were regarded as works of art.The origination of the term shawl is Persian. The original word, “shal”, meant a woolen garment. However, shawls do now come in a variety of fabrics and styles. Shawls were mentioned in a variety of historical documents. They were usually recorded in documents describing an emperor or king's appearance. Traditionally, both men and women wore shawls. They were originally woven as part of the wool garment weaving process of other garments. Later, new techniques were developed specifically for making shawls. There were techniques developed to weave them in a very fine, intricate manner.
As the centuries passed, shawl making moved into different cultures including China. Chinese shawls were made of silk and many other fabrics besides just wool. Traditionally, Chinese garments were woven in a variety of colors and patterns, and some were even embroidered to create specific designs. There were even pieces that were designed specifically for certain religious ceremonies. These shawls were sacred and not worn as an every day garment.
In the early 19th century, shawl creation moved into America where techniques were developed to mass-produce replica shawls. Before this time, each piece was individually woven. Every piece was unique in its own way. However, thanks to the industrial revolution, companies were able to create hundreds of identical shawls in just a few hours time. With this development, beautiful shawls were made available at affordable rates for everyone.
You can now find shawls in just about every fabric and pattern possible. Today, shawls can be found in just about every clothing store around the world. There are still specific varieties that are higher quality—and of course, higher priced. These would be shawls made of high-end materials like cashmere or silk or versions that are still completely handcrafted by skilled artisans. You can also still find one-of-a-kind silk and satin shawls in some high end collections of major designers.
Shawl trends have also evolved and changed throughout the years. In some decades, the trend points towards elegant pieces, while in recent years, they have been more popular with the young adults who want a more bohemian flair. While the prices, styles, and trends may change throughout the decades and centuries, one thing remains the same. Shawls are always in style with one group or the other. They are always a great way to show off your fashion sense and personality. Everyone should have at least a couple types in their closet. You never know when they might be just the thing you need for to finish off your outfit.