The bold and illustrious Jacquard fabric

We are surrounded with millions of fabrics today. From everyday cotton to khadi to silks, Cashmere etc. But jacquard is one magical fabric ever created. It is so versatile that you can use it for anything. Winter wear or summer wear; home décor or clothing need; shoes or hair accessories; Jacquard has it all covered. It is because of the special loom that is used for weaving a jacquard fabric, which is called the jacquard loom. This loom provides individual control on every thread because of which jacquard is available in so many colors and patterns today. The versatility of this fabric can also be seen with easy blending nature with any fabric- silk, jute, cotton etc. The only trick is to make the jacquard fabric the cynosure of your outfit and build around it. And you will see how even a simple jacquard pattern can make its own style statement.

The interesting fact of this fabric is also found in its intricate woven patterns that are not embroidered but are directly woven into the fabric.

Known for its drape characteristic, jacquard fabric is extremely stretchy and strong compared to other fabrics. You can feel a sense of thickness by just touching it. And this is the reason why jacquard is the new silk. Silk lehengas and gowns have been highly replaced by jacquard fabric. And the best part of jacquard is it is dryer-friendly.

Perfect for any season, jacquard is easy to wash, durable and also is one of the very few reversible fabrics. And this is mainly because of its weaving style. Let’s take a look at how this magical fabric is manufactured.

PC: Pinterest/Jacquard

The Making of Jacquard

Going back to the era even before 1800’s, Jacquard weaving was done by a process called draw-loom. But this process was so slow that it could only produce limited number of patterns. A French designer Joseph marie Jacquard introduced a new loom for weaving which came to be called as jacquard loom. Of course, it was named after this Frenchman Joseph marie Jacquard. This jacquard loom was a mechanical loom which was controlled by punch-cards which had punch-holes. So, designs and patterns on jacquard were made by these punch-holes in a row symmetry wherein every row was punched by the row of punch-holes in these punch-cards. So designs could vary in every row of the fabric. But even this loom was capable of controlling only few warp ends independently. So, the punching process had to be repeated again and again to weave one jacquard fabric. Gradually, larger machines were also introduced which did lead to less repetition of process but still it was not satisfactory.

PC: Pinterest/Mechanical Jacquard loom

It was only in 1980’s when electronic jacquard looms were introduced. The first one was introduced in Milan in 1983. This machine did eliminate repetitive weaving of fabric and symmetrical designs because of which it was became possible to produce many different designs and patterns in less time. But what it could not do was make Jacquard weaving economical. These electronic machines were insanely expensive and are apt only for a factory that produces specialized designs.

But now the scenario has changed. Jacquard weaving is now done with a computerized process. The computerization makes it possible to thread millions of hooks with different yarns in much lesser time and requires less labor as compared to the traditional looms which were highly labor-intensive.

Apart from the fabric made from the jacquard loom, jacquard fabrics can also be knitted and thus there is also a variety of jacquard fabrics available today. Some of these are Brocade Jacquard, which is a patterned fabric woven with various multi-colored threads. This is a much heavier fabric mostly used in upholstery and for glamorous fashion clothing. So, all the ethnic jacquard we see around is Brocade Jacquard. Other kinds of Jacquard are Damask Jacquard, which is finer and shimmery than brocade. It is mainly because it is knitted with silk, linen, rayon, cotton or other synthetic threads. And French jacquard, Jacquard net etc.

Jacquard Style Diaries

Now that we have told you all about Jacquard weaving, why not look at some contemporary styling of this fabric.

Ashish n Soni’s Jacquard Collection at Lakme Fashion Week W/f 2016

Ashish n Soni showcased a monochromatic collection at Amazon India fashion Week Winter/festive 2016 called ‘Volomatic’. The collection was a full contemporary take on 60’s, 70’s and 80’s style dedicated to the fashion icons of that time –Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and Diana Ross. The show was a full-on display of jacquard knee-length dresses and jump-suits with perfectly styled hair and make-up.

PC: Vervemagazine

Check out Jacqueline fernandes’s knee-length black silk jacquard draped dress. Isn’t she looking so gorgeous?

The Collection had all kinds of prints on jacquard outfits including polka dots, checks and stripes. Over-sized jacquard jackets, boxy silhouettes and pant-suits definitely gave us major style inspirations that jacquard is one trend which can never go out of fashion.

Also, check out these sumptuous Jacquard floral outfits. Floral and Jacquard is one mesmerizing combination. Look how sublime jacquard looks no matter it’s a dark shaded skirt or a pastel colored dress.

PC: Pinterest

Jacquard Accessories

Jacquard has been known for its versatility. Take any accessory – a bag, shoes, wallet, and hair-band, cap etc, -Jacquard has it covered. In fact, did you know all luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, coach, fendi, Jimmy Choo use jacquard fabric for all its bags?

Check out this gorgeous combination of Jacquard and jute in a Mango handbag. Such a super chic bag it is. Also, the Jacquard fabricated boots are enough for making a style statement even if you are wearing them with your everyday pair of denims.

PC: Pinterest/ from left to right: Mango Jute jacquard bag; Fendi Jacquard handbag; Jacquard boots

Jacquard Home Décor

Jacquard is one fabric which is widely used in all kinds of home need items. More than fifty percent of Bed-covers, Pillow-covers, Cushion-covers, curtains, sofa fabric, bed-sheets and even towels are made with Jacquard fabric only.

PC: Pinterest

And Jacquard is available in so many shades and patterns, that you can decorate your entire home with only jacquard fabric and still will be able to manage different design and shade for every item.

PC: Pinterest

And this is not just it. The list of items that can be styled with jacquard fabric is never-ending. And the interesting fact is Jacquard is not a very old fabric like other fabrics. And still it has been accepted and used globally by all high-street fashion and interior designers.

Now, make your own Jacquard outfits with our tremendous range of printed Jacquard fabrics and don’t forget to share your creations with us in the space below.