Discover the magic of sea silk through history and modern art
"Sea silk, known as burning sea gold, is produced from the fibers of the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis L.), an endemic species in the Mediterranean. This exceptionally rare textile has been valued since antiquity for its natural color that shifts from brown to gold. The oldest known piece dates back to the 4th century."
Franciska Brilli, originally from the former Yugoslavia, discovered sea silk during her travels across the Mediterranean. Today, her heir, designer Mihaela Martinac, brings new energy to this rare fabric, creating timeless pieces that blend tradition and contemporary design.
Fashion design is the art of pushing materials to and beyond their limits, merging the impossible. For me, textiles represent a playground of unlimited possibilities where I play, dance, and sing using needles and threads.
Unlike the imposed minimalism of economic profitability and factory uniformity, I am drawn to re-ornamentation and organic aesthetics. This might be the last chance to work with sea silk, as Pinna nobilis faces massive mortality from parasites and mycobacteria.
Fashion design is the art of pushing materials to and beyond their limits, merging the impossible. For me, textiles represent a playground of unlimited possibilities where I play, dance, and sing using needles and threads.
Unlike the imposed minimalism of economic profitability and factory uniformity, I am drawn to re-ornamentation and organic aesthetics. This might be the last chance to work with sea silk, as Pinna nobilis faces massive mortality from parasites and mycobacteria.
Preserving the past, inspiring the future.
Naturhistorisches Museum Wien, Vienna, Austria
Film Premiere, Exhibition, Open Panel, and Press Conference
Sea Silk
The Rarest Fabric in the World
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