The Changing Face of Fashion

Habotai and Pongee silk fabric was previously sold by
George Weil & Sons as lining fabric for fur coats and stoles

George Weil came from Alsace, France in 1891 to supply silks linings to the fur trade.  As this controversial fashion became unpopular, the family business had to explore other ways of surviving.  The craft market was the obvious choice as these finely woven silk fabrics look stunning when painted with silk paints or acid dyes. 

Mohair coat with silk lining

Today, George Weil supplies these luxurious fabrics to artists and craftsmen.

Here we see it used as a lining for quite a different type of coat.  Susan Litton painted this colourful silk lining for the mohair coat she wove on her Louet table loom.

Find out more about silk painting from the Fact File on our website.