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Fabric Friday: Iridescence

Discussion in 'PUBLIC Workshops - specialty vintage topics' started by denisebrain, Jun 3, 2022.

  1. denisebrain

    denisebrain VFG Vice President Staff Member VFG Past President

    According to Wikipedia, Iridescence (also known as goniochromism) is generally known as the property of certain surfaces which appear to change color as the angle of view changes. Iridescence may be seen commonly in soap bubbles, butterfly wings and sea shells.

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    Musn't forget party dresses!

    You know what iridescence looks like (and, if you are like me, you have to concentrate to get the spelling right!) but maybe you don’t know how it is achieved with fabric.


    Iridescent

    Iridescence is a display of radiant colors which seems to change when seen from various angles. Also called chameleon, changeant, pearlescent, luminescent, glacé, changeable or shot (in the case of taffeta), iridescent fabric is created by the weaving of two different colored yarns in the warp and weft. This may also be achieved in the dyeing of a fabric with two different fibers taking dye differently. Any fiber may be used, but the more lustrous the fiber, the more dramatic will be the iridescence.

    Iridescent dupioni silk
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    The same iridescent silk, showing the two colors
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    Iridescent organza (I believe this was acetate)
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    Printed iridescent cotton—note the subtler effect
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    This is an iridescent silk day dress, 1895. Previously sold by VFG member Augusta Auctions. Those massive sleeves help show off the iridescence!

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