STFIS - Silk taffeta Indian - Striped

100% Striped Mulberry Silk Fabrics – Excellence and History in One

Our mulberry silk fabrics are synonymous with luxury and excellence. These high-quality materials, characterized by subtle, elegant striped patterns, are the perfect choice for both enthusiasts of historical reenactments and those looking for refined decorative elements for interiors.

With a delicate shine and soft, silky texture, these fabrics are perfect for recreating rich costumes from the late Middle Ages, giving them authenticity and prestige. Our fabrics enable faithful reproduction of historical details, thanks to the matching of the colors to the iconography of the late Middle Ages, while offering modern comfort of use.

They are also an excellent choice for interiors where you are looking for accents full of sophistication. By choosing mulberry silk, you are investing in timeless quality that combines tradition with modern style.

History of stripped textiles

Striped fabrics had a significant place in the fashion and symbolism of the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, which was due to various cultural, religious and social reasons.

It is believed that initially striped patterns had negative connotations. People wearing striped clothing were often perceived as dishonest or impure. In medieval iconography, stripes were attributed to negative figures, such as jesters, prisoners, or socially excluded people, to symbolize their deviation from social norms and order. Was this true? Not necessarily. This thesis was put forward by Michael Pastoureau, who based his theory on anti-luxury laws and monastic rules.

Over time, stripes began to be perceived more neutrally, or even positively, symbolizing originality and sophistication. This can be seen in the iconography of the late Middle Ages, where stripes appear frequently, especially on figures of higher echelons.

Fashion and innovation in clothing took on a new meaning, striped fabrics were used to express individualism and uniqueness. It also emphasized financial status - thanks to trade contacts with various regions of the world, Europe gained access to new dyes.

The use of intense colors in stripes, such as red, blue or green, was an expression of wealth and prestige. They also allowed members of knights' teams to be distinguished from a distance, where the colors corresponded to the colors of the coats of arms.

Thanks to lively trade contacts with the Middle East and Asia, European weavers were inspired by patterns from oriental fabrics, where stripes were a common motif. Italians, especially in cities such as Venice, introduced these influences to their creations, and striped fabrics became a popular export to other European countries.

To sum up, the popularity of striped fabrics in the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance resulted from rich symbolism, the development of weaving techniques, aesthetics, as well as external influences. This combination of cultural and technological factors meant that striped fabrics became a distinct element of the fashion of the period, moving from initial marginalization to refined elegance.