The Art of the Atelier
Every Yuan Atelier piece is a conversation between two traditions: the lines and details of Chinese dress, and the structure and fit of European tailoring.
The Fabric
Wrung by hand and laid on grass to dry in the sun, again and again.
Our fabric is xiangyunsha (香云纱), a rare silk from Shunde, in Guangdong, often called “the gold of fabrics”. It is dyed the old way, by hand and by weather. Each length is dyed with natural dyes, wrung out by hand on wooden frames, and laid across open grass to dry in the sun. Then it is dyed and dried again, many times over. The finished silk softens and gains a quiet, earthy lustre with age.
The fabric partway through its transformation.
The process takes weeks and depends on the weather, and only a small number of craftspeople still work this way. It is why each piece is made in limited numbers, and why no two lengths are quite the same.
The Details
A closer look at the silk and finish of the Nhonha Vest.
Mandarin collars, hand-knotted frog closures, and covered knot buttons, finished by hand. The Scholar Jacket and the Echo Reversible Vest are both reversible: black on one side, brown on the other.
Made to Measure
Every piece is cut to your measurements and comes with a lifetime guarantee. See how made to measure works.
Caring for Your Piece
Dry clean, or hand wash alone in cool water with a silk detergent. Do not wring, tumble dry or dry in sunlight. Steam gently from the reverse. Store hanging, away from perfume and mothballs. Its colour will soften gracefully with time. If your piece ever needs attention, send it back to us under our lifetime guarantee.