Silk was once only the prerogative of royalty and aristocrats, the epitome of elegance and exuberance. But did you know how silk is made? Conventionally cocoons are boiled with the live silkworm still alive , this simply to maintain the length and strength of the silk fibres and give it the luxurious sheen. 3,000 silkworms are killed to produce half a kilo of silk.
Organic Silk invention
In 1990 Kusuma Rajaiah, a sericulturist from Andhra Pradesh, India found a way to create silk yarns without harming the silkworms in any way: Peace or Ahimsa Silk was born. Organic Peace Silk is produced from the cocoon discarded by the silkworm naturally after 30 days. The silkworm changes into a moth, pierces the cocoon and flies out leaving the cocoon behind. The piercing of the cocoon results in many pieces of yarn (instead of one continuous thread) which then is spun together to make a single thread. The yield of silk filaments is about six times less once the cocoon is pierced. Even though this process is more time consuming, it is more ethical, cruelty free and sustainable. It retains the purest qualities of silk.
Sustainable Lifestyle Brand Urban Medley
Peace or Ahimsa Silk has a beautiful textured body, it’s hand spun and hand woven, retaining the natural properties of silk making it comfortable to use all year round. Urban Medley, an Amstelveen based sustainable lifestyle brand is determined to make a mark within the sustainable slow fashion sector. Using Peace Silk they offer an exclusive range of scarves and kimonos in contemporary designs and colors. Each piece is hand block printed – a traditional printing thousands of year old.
Heirloom Pieces
According to Shayonti Chatterji, the founder of Urban Medley, their products qualify as heirloom pieces and support the philosophy of ‘buy better and buy less’. Items are made in small lots making each one exclusive. “Scarves and capes are accessories which can easily complement a range of outfits. They help go from a formal to a glamorous look and can be used multiple times. More importantly the product reflects a conscious mind and is not simply a trend.”
Urban Medley works with artisans, thus enabling a community to earn a dignified living and promoting centuries old printing and weaving techniques.
Shop the range of Peace Silk items here
