History of Japanese Silk
The evolution and significance of silk manufacturing in Japan Many parts of Asia and East Asia are well-known for their silk textiles. When we think about silk production, China is usually the country that comes […]
Heritage
Kimono exhibition at the V&A
Patra explores the secrets of kimonos At Patra we have long standing relationship with silk – working with it to make beautiful garments and appreciating its quality as a fabric. We also enjoy delving into […]
Silk used as money
A history of silk as currency We’ve always known that silk is a multifaceted fabric. From high quality clothes to luxurious home furnishings, silk is not only utterly soft but also extremely versatile; an ideal […]
The history and evolution of skirts
From Maxis to Minis and every skirt in-between If there is one type of clothing that has had a rich history through the ages, it is most definitely the skirt. From the straw-woven skirt dating […]
Chelsea Flower Show 2019
Step inside the Royal Horticultural Society’s beautiful annual event The most prestigious flower show (if not the largest one) in Britain will be held in the grounds of the Chelsea Hospital on the 21-25 May […]
Dior Exhibition
Patra unravel Dior at the V&A If there is one designer that helped shape fashion in the 20th century, it is Christian Dior. He re-invented the female silhouette, while his “New Look” (a term coined […]
The Iconic Pencil Skirt and Its Origins
From Dior to Joan Collins: The People that made the Pencil Skirt famous time after time It is probably the most dependable skirt of all and famed for its ability to show off your figure. […]
The history, origins and benefits of cashmere
All your cashmere questions answered Cashmere is, rightly, considered the jewel in the crown of fabrics. It is the most precious and luxurious of fabrics, with a history spanning over centuries and involving some of […]
Natural Fabrics and the “Fashioned from Nature” Exhibition at the V&A
Patra highlights the importance of natural fabrics and the relationship between nature and fashion The link between fashion and nature is intrinsic and long-standing. For centuries we have been using natural resources, everything from feathers […]
Royal Wedding Dresses History
The design detail and craftsmanship behind some of the most famous wedding dresses in history For many young girls, brought up with stories of princesses and fairy tales, a dream wedding dress holds a special […]