The Knitted Kerchief for Women – the History of an Accessory

The versatility of knitted kerchiefs was noticed as early as the 19th century by French fashionistas, when they came up with the idea of baring the neck, shoulders and décolletage. At that time, soft oriental Kashmir items became popular. French women covered the bare areas with knitted shawls, thereby keeping them warm and harmoniously complementing their outfits.

The fashion for knitted kerchiefs in Russia

Russian cultural traditions were closely intertwined with France, especially in fashion. Russian women followed French fashion trends closely and used items made of mountain goat wool to emphasise the pride, refinement and tenderness of their figures.

Exquisite shawls and warm shawls were worn to balls and theatre performances, and in winter were used as outerwear. However, expensive items were not available to every Russian beauty; such an accessory was considered a symbol of luxury and high status.

The problem of fashionistas of peasant origin or women of below-average means was solved by Orenburg knitting craftswomen. From the down of local goats, the craftswomen created unique shawls and warm shawls knitted on the principle of lace. Fortunately, the properties of goat down made it possible to spin threads of incredible fineness that lent themselves to weaving patterns of every complexity. In the fineness and intricacy of their patterns, only spiders could compete with the Orenburg craftswomen. That is why Orenburg items came to be called "pautinki" ("gossamer shawls", literally "little cobwebs").

It was hard to pass such a work of art without looking back, so rumours of Orenburg handwork reached society ladies too. The items of the local craftswomen won worldwide popularity. And in the modern world of fashion they hold their positions at the very top.

The knitted kerchief in modern fashion

It goes without saying that a knitted kerchief of natural goat down should be in the wardrobe of every woman who follows fashion trends. And if anyone thinks this accessory is seasonal, we dare to convince them otherwise.

This wardrobe item should perhaps only not be worn to the beach. There, of course, there is no need for a down kerchief, but on a cool summer evening it will be very handy. An openwork kerchief thrown over the shoulders over a sundress or evening dress can protect a lady from the wind and complement her refined look.

Autumn and spring are considered the most suitable seasons for a knitted kerchief. A fashionable pullover or a blouse with an open neckline will be harmoniously set off by an openwork down kerchief. Women who are not afraid to be creative use down kerchiefs not only as wraps for the shoulders but also as an openwork belt or a casually and intricately tied headpiece. Coolness and damp weather cannot spoil the mood of a woman whose shoulders are warmed by fluffy, soft openwork.

In winter, such a wardrobe item will warm a fashionable woman's head without spoiling her chic hairstyle, since down kerchiefs are practically weightless. Besides, when in winter you want to draw a little more male attention to your delicate shoulders or neckline, an openwork kerchief will handle this task perfectly. Through the finest gossamer of the down item, the bare parts of the delicate female body that attract men will be unobtrusively visible.

Offers of the new generation

Today's Orenburg kerchiefs are no different from those knitted two hundred years ago. The same unique patterns, the same quality of down, the same individual approach of each knitter. Our knitters put all their skill, together with the warmth of their soul and fresh ideas, into beautiful, unique openwork items.

Today's kerchiefs differ only in that a small percentage of silk and cotton thread is added to the natural goat down. This makes it possible to preserve the item's original look longer and to emphasise its beauty with an unobtrusive sheen.

While in the old days only grey kerchiefs were on sale, today women can choose from a world of coloured openwork items, picking the one that appeals to them. There will be no doubt that your kerchief will be unique, since it was knitted by the skilful hands of knitters, and each design is unique in its own way.