THE SATIN RUSH - EVERYBODY WANTS TO WEAR SATIN!!!

Satin is a luxurious fabric that has been prized for centuries. Over the years, it has been used been used for beautiful clothing, bedding, wedding gowns, ballet shoes, lingerie, and even the lining for athletic uniforms. The history of satin stretches from the Far East to the modern western world.

What is Satin?

As I mention, Satin is a type of fabric prized for a smooth, buttery-soft texture. The front of the fabric is smooth and glossy, whereas the back of the fabric is dull and matte. Originally formed by weaving silk fibers, modern satin may be made of silk fibers, polyester, or rayon. 

Origins in China

The term satin originated in the Middle Ages, and was first used to describe a luxurious, heavy type of silk also known as samite. The word satin comes from the name of a Chinese port town: Zaitun. Zaitun is now known by the name Quanzhou. Chinese textile artists have long created beautiful satin used in robes.

Satin weaving was invented in China more than two thousand years ago. Although elaborate textiles were expensive and in many cases restricted to the upper classes, the cultivation of silk was widespread. By the late second millennium  peasant women were expert in the special techniques associated with silk weaving; silk was produced in quantity and worn, at least on some occasions, by a wide range of people, not just the aristocracy.  Silk weaving was a treasured secret, but eventually the technology spread to Japan, Korea, India, Thailand, and other parts of southern Asia. Limited amounts of silk fabric were exported to the West as early as the time of ancient Greece, but satin was not produced in Europe until the Middle Ages. The scarcity of silk restricted the use of this material to the church, nobility, and upper classes.

Satin was one of many exotic items traded between China, the Arab World, and Western Europe during the Middle Ages, fostering increased flow of commerce and information between these areas. The fabric was first made available in Italy during the 12th century. By the 14th century, the fabric was widely available throughout Europe, but due to its cost it was most often worn by royalty.

Satin also made an appearance in the late 1800s in the undergarments of fashionable Parisian women. Although colorful satin was first associated with prostitutes. In the early 1900s, satin became popular in other styles of lingerie as corselettes, girdles, brassieres, and panties were accepted as replacements for the petticoat and corset.  New materials such as rayon, nylon, and polyester made it possible for women from nearly all walks of life to purchase sexy lingerie. These fabrics were rationed during World War II, but advertisements and pin-ups pictured women dressed in lustrous satin camisoles.

As manufactured and synthetic fibers such as rayon  acetate, and polyester were invented beginning in the 1920s and 1930s, satin gradually became available to an even larger number of women. Duchesse satin, a blend of rayon and silk, was invented as a less expensive, lightweight alternative to 100 percent silk satin. In the early 2000s, all varieties of satin are used for bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses, evening gowns, prom dresses, and accessories at many different levels of price and quality..

Satin has continued to be very popular. In the 1970s, the corset came back into fashion as members of punk and goth subcultures began to re appropriate the corset as a symbol of rebellion and 'sexual perversity'. 

 In her "Blond Ambition" tour in the early 1990s, Madonna wore a light pink satin corset designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier. An obvious symbol of her sexuality, the corset was not only flaunted as outerwear but had padded, cone-shaped breasts. Partly for reasons of nostalgia, these styles have come back into high fashion at the beginning of the twenty-first century.

Today

Satin seems to be the fabric of choice for spring and I totally get the appeal. It's the modern, sexy, and slightly more accessible version of its close relative, silk, yet it still feels luxurious and expensive. One thing As far as I know is that you can never feel joy until you've slipped a piece of satin over a freshly-shaved leg.

Is there anything more divine than a satin dress?

Don't shy away from color : pink, red, yellow, blue, green or purple  are big news for the coming season.The most exciting thing about satin for now is  the casual satin.  You can wear satin  during day time.  From athleisure,  trackpants ,slinky slips and shimmering suiting,  to shoes and bags at brands like Victoria Beckham to Koché, Attico, Balenciaga and many other designers.

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• The point is to wear the trend and still look great but never overdressed. How to do it? Choose one piece of satin and mix it a non effortable items.

Main picture rights : @the_attico

MY SATIN WISH LIST: 

VIEW SLIDESHOWS:

1. THE ATTICO 2. THE ATTICO 3. GUCCI 4. KOCHE' 5. THE ATTICO 6. NO.21 7. GUCCI 8. VICTORIA BECKHAM 9. TOM FORD 10. GUCCI 11. CALVIN KLEIN 12. THE ATTICO 13. MAISON MARGIELA 14. GUCCI 15. THE ATTICO 16. DVF 17. MANOLO BLAHNIK