Learn About Fabrics

At Joel & Son Fabrics we are crazy about silks - just walk up and down the many 'silk laden' aisles of our London shop to see this. And no wonder, silk is considered one of the most luxurious fabrics in the world! Silk is known as the ‘Queen of fabrics’ and for good reason - for thousands of years, the complex, labour intensive and time-consuming process of creating silk was carried out in the utmost secrecy, making silk fabrics very special and expensive.

Here are our 10 favourite facts about silk. 

Beautiful, feminine lace has always been a couture staple. This delicate 'openwork' fabric is popular for both day and evening-wear, and is of course, an enduring bridal choice.

Joel & Son Fabrics stocks an extensive range of the finest quality lace, from guipure, corded and chantilly, to embroidered, beaded and printed lace.

You’ve seen this decorative, self-patterned fabric everywhere - fashion designers love it, and it’s having a real moment with suiting right now.

Here are five things to know about brocade.

(Elie Saab)
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What can brocade fabric be used for? Dresses. Trousers. Coats and Suits (ala Elie Saab and Dolce and Gabbana). Evening jackets. Brocade can be used for a million different things (and we’ve only listed clothes here – don’t forget how great brocade can look in décor). Back in the day, brocade was a stiff, starchy fabric because its original use was for upholstery. However, at some point someone clocked its potential for clothing design and it evolved into the fashion fabric we see today. Modern brocades tend to have a softer handle than the older versions, which makes it more versatile than ever. One of our clients just made an incredible line of men’s evening jackets with

Joel & Son Fabrics is all in favour of keeping the fur faux. Here are five things you should know about this glam alternative to the real thing.
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Wearing faux fur instead of real fur keeps your conscience clean. Animals suffering in the name of fashion isn’t ok and we’re so happy to see so many designers getting rid of genuine fur from their collections. There’s nothing fashionable about animal cruelty and these imitations look so good anyway. All we want to do is stroke these. Keep it faux!