Moire fabric has some distinct characteristics that make it a unique fabric. The pattern displays a watered look, creating the illusions of shimmering reflections spread across little waves. Moire fabric was first developed in Europe as early as the 18th century.
In the 18th century, Lyon was an important center for production of silk fabrics. In the 1700s, moire became very fashionable among the French aristocracy. It was often featured in the royal palaces and also widely used to create garments for both men and women. The fabric was considered very innovative for its time. By the 1850s, Charles Frederik Worth, a prominent English fashion designer well-known for creating embroidered moire fabric for women at the court. In the 17th and 18th century there was the introduction of curtains as we know them today, and this shimmering moire fabric became a popular and elegant drapery alternative.
moire Viridiana Dedar
A moire fabric is often created by using silk, was has traditionally been the preferred fiber. These days manufacturers also use wool. cotton or rayon, but silk produces a deeper luster, with a more pronounced shimmering appearance. The signature look was originally achieved by pressing and steaming two layers of horizontal, ribbed fabric together lengthwise. Where the ribs fell slightly out of alignment, they produced that characteristic wavy, watermark-like pattern. Today the moire effect can be achieved by modern methods such as printing and weaving techniques.
moire Athené Zinc Textiles - image on the right via Elle Decor
We can divide moire fabric in two categories.
Dense thromoir: this is composed of high-quality silk, it allows the creation of subtle optical prints with vibrant tones. This material was used to make clothes and ribbons for the royal palaces.
Moire antique: is a finer matter that accumulates in excess volume that is know as moire-antique. The fibers are crushed using an offset in a particular process. This method allows for creating a volumetric decoration on the fabric's surface in addition to a gradient matte overflow.
images via IG
You already sense that this moire fabric lends a classical and elegant look to any room. It can be used for drapery, upholstery, screen panels and even for wall coverings. Frequently available in vivid colors, the fabric makes a striking, bold statement while preserving sophisticated charm.
dressing via 1stDibs
Moire fabrics came back in trend in recent years, and several new development have been introduced. You can paperback a fabric to create a wall hanging or decorative panel. It is useful to know that these paperbacked fabrics are delivered untrimmed and without pattern matching, so this option won’t suit every project or every taste. Moire fabrics have returned to fashion in recent years, and several new developments have been introduced. You can paperback a fabric to create an elegant wall hanging or decorative panel. It is useful to know that these paperbacked fabrics are typically delivered untrimmed and without pattern matching, so this option won’t suit every project or every taste.
Moire wallpaper Arte
And there is more. This time moire really made an impression across different industries, inspiring designers to develop their own interpretation of the moire effect. I must say the results are often striking and refined. I mentioned a few weeks ago that mosaics are making a comeback in the bathroom. These Moire mosaics from Bisazza are a perfect example. They create a subtle yet bold and elegant presence in your bathroom.
mosaic Moire Rose Bisazza
Rugs with the ripple effect of shimmering water can be achieved by rug companies using a variety of techniques. Also a combination of different material can have an amazing effect. When you design a rug using both wool and silk in the same color, the appearance shifts depending on how the light falls. The silk will reflect the light with a subtle sheen, while the wool remains matte.
rug Moire Pierre Frey
To finish with the inspired developments: this one here under is not really a new one, in the furniture industry manufacturers have been experimenting with the wood fibres and staining techniques in various colors to achieve a refreshed new look for your kitchen cabinetry and other furniture pieces.
So, are you a fan of moire? I love it, it has something old-fashioned but at the same time can look very contemporary.
you can use it for
upholstery
curtains
wall covering
make some nice pillows out of it
fashion
or get inspired by other industries to get the look inside your home
Make a bold statement and go for it!
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