The EMPA Team Finds a Way to Weave 24k Gold into Clothes
Susan Keefe — November 5, 2011 — Unique
For the discerning fashionista for whom only the finest of silks will do, the Swiss engineers at the EMPA team have found a way to weave gold into fabric.
Although gold plated fabric has been used to adorn royalty and the well-to-do for centuries, this is the first time that pure gold threading has been accomplished. After ten years of experimentation, the EMPA team conceived of a way to take the finest strands of silk and coat them in pure 24k gold, and still have a fabric that could withstand weaving, washing and wearing.
The highly technical process involved in creating this over-the-top luxurious fabric uses technology that is relatively unknown outside of Switzerland. The EMPA team successfully developed a device capable of breaking a piece of gold down into nanometer scaled fragments. These fragments are used to coat the threads of silk then the fabric is weaved together. According to the team, washing this valuable fabric will not change the original shine or appearance of the golden threads, but I think it’s safe to say this gorgeous fabric is dry clean only. Production of this fabric has begun in a limited run, and only small pieces like ties, handkerchiefs and bow ties are being produced. Before you run out to buy the whole lot be advised a full length tie will run you in excess of $8,500.
If your still wondering what to buy the well-moneyed fashionista in your life, look no further than this 24k gold fabric.
Although gold plated fabric has been used to adorn royalty and the well-to-do for centuries, this is the first time that pure gold threading has been accomplished. After ten years of experimentation, the EMPA team conceived of a way to take the finest strands of silk and coat them in pure 24k gold, and still have a fabric that could withstand weaving, washing and wearing.
The highly technical process involved in creating this over-the-top luxurious fabric uses technology that is relatively unknown outside of Switzerland. The EMPA team successfully developed a device capable of breaking a piece of gold down into nanometer scaled fragments. These fragments are used to coat the threads of silk then the fabric is weaved together. According to the team, washing this valuable fabric will not change the original shine or appearance of the golden threads, but I think it’s safe to say this gorgeous fabric is dry clean only. Production of this fabric has begun in a limited run, and only small pieces like ties, handkerchiefs and bow ties are being produced. Before you run out to buy the whole lot be advised a full length tie will run you in excess of $8,500.
If your still wondering what to buy the well-moneyed fashionista in your life, look no further than this 24k gold fabric.
Trend Themes
1. Pure Gold Fabric - Discover the innovative technique of weaving pure 24k gold into fabric, opening up new possibilities in luxurious fashion.
2. Nano-coating Technology - Explore the use of nanometer scaled fragments of gold to coat threads of silk, revolutionizing the creation of high-end textiles.
3. Luxury Apparel - Embrace the trend of limited-run production of small luxury accessories like ties, handkerchiefs, and bow ties made from 24k gold fabric.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry can leverage the disruptive innovation of weaving pure gold into fabric to create exclusive luxury garments and accessories.
2. Textiles - The textile industry can adopt the use of nano-coating technology to create unique fabrics with enhanced aesthetics and durability.
3. Luxury Goods - Luxury goods industry players can capitalize on the demand for high-end apparel and accessories made from 24k gold fabric, targeting affluent consumers.
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