Silk Cocoons
The first thing that drew us in was the colour.
When we first encountered these silk cocoons, it was their vivid palette that immediately caught our attention; electric blues, fuchsia, red, and teal sitting alongside rich jewel tones like emerald, aubergine, and deep wine, all grounded by luminous neutrals of black, white, gold, silver, bronze, and copper. But behind those colours was a story that resonated even more deeply.
Our silk cocoons come through a women-led initiative in Colombia called Opalo Artesanal. The project works with rural women, many of them heads of their households, creating opportunities for economic independence while recognizing the skill, care, and knowledge they bring to their work. Their hands and stewardship are central to the life of this remarkable natural material.
The cocoons themselves begin with careful cultivation. Once harvested, each one is gently cleaned and washed in cold water through a series of rinses that naturally brighten the silk. They are then hand-dyed using natural pigments and textile colours to create their distinctive range of vibrant hues. To strengthen the delicate silk structure and preserve the colour, the cocoons are finished with several layers of ecological varnish, making them both durable and beautifully resilient.
In nature, cocoons are symbols of transformation, quiet spaces where change unfolds and something new emerges. Their delicate structure holds both strength and possibility, reflecting the remarkable work of the women who cultivate and care for them. Lightweight and luminous, each cocoon carries the story of renewal, resilience, and the vibrant beauty that can emerge through patient hands and natural processes.
