The Gossamer Down Shawl

A light, translucent gossamer down shawl looks festive and elegant. Orenburg craftswomen create amazing patterns with their own hands that really resemble a spider's web. Sometimes the intricate ornament is compared to frost patterns on clear glass. It is hard to believe that this refined beauty is created by human hands. And they have been knitting them for the third century in a row, delighting women all over the world with amazing Orenburg items.

The gossamer shawl and traditions

The openwork gossamer shawl is the very shawl whose authenticity people customarily check by pulling it through a wedding ring. Moreover, original gossamer shawls by a top-class needlewoman can be so fine that two or even three shawls will pass through a ring at the same time.

The gossamer shawl in your wardrobe

The gossamer shawl differs from the dense Orenburg shawl in its elegance and jewel-like workmanship, although they are siblings.

You can wear the delicate lace item all year round, but it seems unfair to hide a shawl of such filigree knitting under an autumn coat. No, the gossamer down shawl deserves to be worn on display.

Occasions when a gossamer shawl will be the best addition to your look:

• on a cool summer evening the shawl will go well with a light dress;

• in autumn, when nature falls asleep and a fine drizzle falls, the Orenburg wonder will lift your mood and chase away the blues;

• at a society reception it will become a magnificent element of an evening outfit;

• at a wedding or church ceremony a snow-white shawl often adorns the bride herself. A down shawl goes beautifully with a wedding dress at winter celebrations, giving the bride tenderness and a touching look;

• in any other situation when the owner of a beautiful Orenburg item wants to throw the pride of her wardrobe over her shoulders.

Make way for imagination

When the great designers of our time learned about the Orenburg shawl, they were indescribably delighted by such splendour. Since then, goat down items have become regulars at fashion shows and glossy magazine shoots. And a revolution took place in the minds of many women in the post-Soviet space. It turns out that the Orenburg shawl is not at all something from grandmother's chest, but a stylish and fashionable accessory that can be worn in dozens of different ways.

The uniqueness of the gossamer shawl lies in its versatility. By using it wisely, you can gain a reputation among those around you as a true queen of style and elegance.

A gossamer down shawl is suitable as head covering in the transitional seasons. Why is it better than a light hat? Because it can be tied in different ways; the main thing is not to be lazy and to master all the possible variations.

A gossamer shawl thrown over a coat and held with a belt is real chic. It goes with mini, midi and maxi. A gossamer shawl refreshes, makes you look younger, emphasises your strengths and hides your flaws, and without words tells those around you about its owner's good taste.

Caring for a delicate gossamer shawl

Sometimes you may come across advice that an Orenburg shawl should be carefully combed before washing. Well, this recommendation does not apply to the gossamer shawl; it refers to thick warm shawls.

The openwork fabric is washed in warm water with shampoo added. The item is left to soak in the solution for about fifteen minutes and then carefully washed. Pulling, rubbing or wringing is strictly forbidden.

The lace item is rinsed in warm water and allowed to drain well. You can even hang the shawl in a nylon mesh bag for this. When the water has drained, the handmade fabric is laid out on a towel (which is changed as it gets wet) and left to dry. When the shawl is almost dry, it should be shaken lightly to let the fabric fluff up.

If a gossamer shawl is kept in a wardrobe for a long time, it should be aired from time to time, with access to sunlight. The Orenburg shawl's neighbours in the wardrobe should be only clean things. And who must not be allowed near the gossamer shawl is moths. Today there are plenty of modern means to fight this pest, which is always trying to spoil the most valuable item in your wardrobe.