32 With This Ring
Paisley is back AGAIN! The perennial design has returned many times since first becoming popular with westerners in the 1800’s. Although the “Paisley” pattern is a droplet-shaped motif of Persian origin, its western name comes from the textile town of Paisley in Scotland, where the designs were produced for the British and American market. The pattern is still popular in Iran and Central Asian countries where it is known as “boteh.” The woven design often features silver silk threads and other luxury textiles for gifts, weddings and clothing for special occasions. Alternatively it is also seen as a decorative motif on pottery, curtains, carpets, jewellery and paintings. The design appears to have been introduced to Europe by the East India Company who brought back cashmere shawls and silk cloth which were copied. From 1800 onwards the weavers of Paisley became premier producers of these shawls. New technology allowed them to develop looms that wove up
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to 5 colours when most weavers only managed to work with 2. The resulting multi-coloured patterns became a Paisley hallmark and the woven versions were later adapted for printing onto cotton, voile and wool, making the design universal. Over two centuries later, Paisley has undergone many re-inventions from elegant shawls worn in the Jane Austen era to the psychedelic fashions of the 1960’s. There have been pink paisley guitars, Prince’s Paisley Park record label and paisley has been used in interior design, architectural inspiration and landscaping. Known throughout the world, its distinctive pattern is equally appropriate whether traditional, retro or contemporary and is therefore unique. Paisley can be tone on tone in subtle understated colours or bright and vibrant. The pattern can be big and bold or a tiny print, beautifully embellished with embroidery or bling or printed onto simple cotton fabric. As a design Paisley has enjoyed exceptional longevity but while its popularity comes and goes, it is here to stay. Paisley is this summer’s signature in ladylike bridal lace, a mother of the bride dress and jacket, the bridesmaids’ floaty printed chiffon, silk ties for the groomsmen, as an inspiration for the icing on your cake or embossed onto your invitations.