The history of chiffon from Maharani Gayatri Devi's wardrobe in Jaipur to yours

Chiffon's legacy is ingrained in history, from the royal courts of Europe to contemporary designers' studios.Few textiles can match chiffon's legendary elegance. Light, airy, and classic, it has been worn by both queens and commoners, solidifying its status as a representation of elegance. Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur, whose carefree fashion transformed chiffon saris into royal couture, was one of its most famous champions. Gayatri Devi's mother, Maharani Indira Devi of Cooch Behar, inspired her to commission beautiful French chiffon saris, which have come to represent subtle grandeur.According to Rohini Singh of Just Chiffons, a Jaipur-based brand that draws inspiration from the individual fashion tastes of India's aristocracy, "Chiffon saris are the pinnacle of effortless elegance." "Our label was born because my mother started making chiffon saris to preserve the charm of pure silk chiffon, which was otherwise hard to find," she explained.The history of chiffon spans time and culture, from ancient China to the royal palaces of India and French haute couture. Chiffon still captivates people today by fusing centuries of artistry, cultural development, and timeless beauty.

The opulent silk fabric known as chiffon was first used by the aristocracy in ancient China. Its voyage to Europe in the eighteenth century introduced it to French fashion, where the French term chiffe, which means rag, gave it its name. But chiffon was anything but common, thus this moniker belied its luxury. According to Pearl Academy assistant professor of textile design Mainak Dey, "Chiffon has always been synonymous with affluence." Because of its delicate texture, it was initially adopted by European nobility before becoming a global fashion statement. Chiffon was a favorite of high couture by the 19th century, praised for its effortless drape and semi-transparent nature, which gave each piece of clothing an air of mystery.