Mindful of the centuries-old traditions of ancient China’s Mulberry Culture, Mantua Silkwear produces slow wear for a fast world in an African context. One considered piece at a time.
Mantua Silkwear is inspired by the ethereal luminosity of silk and how it transforms to the body. As a counterpoint to disposable fashion, the Mantua Collection of silk scarves and is trans-seasonal and beyond trends. Watercolour artworks are printed onto silk scarves in limited editions. The design process is driven by an intrinsic awareness of colour, space and shape, and of the body as a canvas for wearable art. The scarves are cut and hemmed at a small home studio nestled in the heart of the winelands, Stellenbosch, using only the finest Chinese silk.
‘In Dreams’ is a collection of printed silk scarves, robes, dresses and accessories. Mantua Silkwear creates ceremonial day and nightwear to celebrate and honour daily rituals, the Mantua wardrobe becomes a treasured accessory to living in these moments.
This season’s collection is inspired by the dreamers and artisans, the believers and the hopeful hearted! A tapestry born of psychedelic dreams and subconscious awareness, flow into a myriad of colour patterns coming alive in each individually crafted silk garment and scarf. Unique patterns are serendipitous, soft, and soothingly dulcet. Subtle pastel palettes marry prints together with violet and lilac accentuations. Washes of green, pink and yellow are dynamic variations to this ensemble. Fruit, flowers, leaves and berries live symbolically across fabrics inspiring an escape to a world of hope and natural abundance.
From voluminous robes and kaftans that drape and fall, to the elegantly figure-hugging cut-on-slant slips, Mantua’s silk garments compliment and accentuate the female body in its many desirable forms. Resplendent scarves and sui generis kimonos complete the Mantua Silkwear collective with a luxurious nod to ceremonial “dream-wear”.
Shop the collection www.mantua.co.za
