PRODUCT FOCUS: White And Ivory Persian Flower Paisley Pocket Square
In our latest Product Focus, we take a look at one of the most versatile pocket squares in our collection, the White And Ivory Persian Flower Paisley Pocket Square.
Have you ever wondered where the iconic paisley pattern originated from? In the post below we outline its origins, and why it has become such a classic design print across a myriad of fashion products.
VIEW THE PRODUCT: White And Ivory Persian Flower Paisley Pocket Square
Origins of the Paisley Pattern
The paisley pattern is one of the most commonly used patterns in menswear today. From adorning ties and pocket squares, to linings, shirts and socks, the pattern is everywhere. The classic paisley pattern features the iconic boteh design, a teardrop shaped motif with a curved upper end. The pattern itself has evolved over time due to its ability to be manipulated and recreated.
The boteh motif is thought to have originated about 2,000 years ago somewhere between modern-day Iran and the India-Pakistan border near Kashmir, with the exact location not known. Items such as silks, raw materials, spices and luxury commodities were often traded from East to West through the expansive Silk Roads. Kashmir shawls adorned with this pattern were part of these items traded and made their way to Europe and the wider West. A must have for Europe's elite who were in constant search for the finest of luxury goods.
Did you know? During the Mughal period, Emperor Akhbar (1556 to 1605) wore paisley shawls as a way to indicate wealth and status. He was known for gifting these shawls to other rulers and high officials.
(A shawl made in Paisley, Scotland, in imitation of kashmir shawls)
The word paisley was derived from where imitation shawls were made in Paisley, Renfrewshire, a large town located in the west central Lowlands of Scotland. The mid 19th century saw weaving become the main industry in the town, inspired by Queen Victoria's love for the shawls, the town soon boomed with the production of paisley shawls.
The Paisley pattern is now much more of a catchall term that describes many different variations of the original pattern. What makes it so versatile is how the different patterns and colours can be manipulated, that gives any design both the feeling of familiarity, yet also forms totally different looks and interpretations.
The V&A Museum
Our White And Ivory Persian Flower Paisley Pocket Square is based on a sample pattern made for printed fabrics at Garratt Print Works in Wandsworth, London, originally produced around 1850, now part of the V&A's collection.
The Victoria and Albert Museum (often abbreviated as the V&A) is the world's largest museum dedicated to applied arts, decorative arts, and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.27 million objects.
Did you know? The V&A's collection spans over 5,000 years worth of art from ancient times to present day. Its holdings of ceramics, glass, textiles, costumes, silver, ironwork, jewellery, furniture, medieval objects, sculpture, prints and printmaking, drawings and photographs are among the largest and most comprehensive in the world.
Our White & Ivory Design
This print features a white tonal colour-way, which was designed as an alternative to the classic white pocket square, providing some additional yet subtle detailing within a classic colour palette of white and ivory tones.
The idea behind this was to produce a square perfect for more formal occasions such as weddings while still making it a talking point through the use of an historic variation in the pattern, that originated from London in 1850.
WHAT FOLDS WORK BEST?
The White And Ivory Persian Flower Paisley Pocket Square is effortlessly beautiful due to its tonal finish. This square is particularly good for formal events such as weddings and black tie.
How you fold a pocket square determines whether it adds a subtle accent, or is a flamboyant addition which becomes the focal point of your outfit.
We have created step-by-step videos on our website to demonstrate how to achieve different folds and looks. Below are two of our favourite folds for this square.
Read Further: How to Fold A Pocket Square Guide
1. Puff Fold
The Puff Fold is not only one of the most popular folds but also one of the simplest to master. The classic style is to adjust it till it forms a semi-circle above your pocket, but the very nature of the Puff Fold means you can be creative with the final look.
We feel it works best for a more casual look, and can be easily adjusted to display the different colours in your pocket square.
2. The Stairs Fold
The Stairs Fold is an elegant looking fold that although looks like it could be quite complex, is actually relatively simple to master and gives a very clean, crisp finish to your jacket.
The design of this fold lends itself particularly well to a dark muted suit and serves to add a flair of individuality to an otherwise plain outfit, and gives that little extra touch of class to a formal event.
If you prefer visuals over written text, then you are in luck as our YouTube channel has a dedicated Pocket Square Fold Series covering all the classic folds you can use on this pocket square and any others within our collection.
View the Product: White And Ivory Persian Flower Paisley Pocket Square
Watch Now: Pocket Square Folds Series
Read Further: Product Focus Journal Series
What Makes Our Pocket Squares So Special?
