in the 18th century valencia rivaled lyon with its silk industry. silk was raised, spun and woven in lavish brocades which frequently included gold and silver threads. the city managed to create a style of its own which has been studied in detail, especially the designs based on what is known as pintura de flores (flower paintings) produced in the Real Academia de San Carlos.
much of the textiles were exported to cadiz and through its port to other european cities and and the new world. yet some of them found their way in the country to dress wealthy ladies in goyesque style, dressing as majas, a style considered to be the result of a rebellion against French fashion.
the style became the germ of the traditional valencian regional dress which nowadays is used during the fallas. the falleras are the court ladies, sometimes escorted by men, of the fallas and one of the important rites during the festivities includes electing the fallera mayor, a sort of mega prom queen.
consequently, thanks to the keeping of this traditional dress, silk weaving in valencia albeit not as important an industry as in the past, is still carried on.
there are several stores in town that produce their own fabrics based on old designs and others specialise in reproducing traditional patterns.there are even a few jacquard handweavers using old looms.
not all the fabrics are silk, there's plenty of rayon to cut on costs. but i was assured all of the fabrics are local, none imported from china. not surprisingly prices are high and a whole fallera outfit including the combs, jewelry, hairpiece, lace, shoes and underwear can run up to a good 10,000€ . more if the combs and jewelry are gold, pearls and gemstones... an heirloom indeed.
neki desu
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