I don't pretend to be a fashion maven or even a well-dressed person; but, this beauty caught my eye. The article (link is in the title) was pointed out to me by Slashdot.org.
World’s Largest Garment Made From Golden Spider Silk Goes on Display
by Jasmin Malik Chua, 01/18/12
Before anyone asks, no, it’s not bulletproof. But that doesn’t mean that the glistening yellow cape—the world’s largest garment made entirely from spider silk—isn’t a massive feat of engineering to marvel at (hint: it is and you should). Now on public display for the first time at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the textile gets its unearthly gleam from the undyed filaments of the golden orb spider, a species of arachnid commonly found in Madagascar. Girl power can be taken literally in this instance: Only the females produce the coveted silk.
Too bad the gleam doesn't really show in the photo. Even so, this garment does catch the eye.
Posted by: Hattie | January 19, 2012 at 01:40 PM
Golden spider silk...WOW. It's really very pretty. ~Joy
Posted by: Joy | January 19, 2012 at 09:14 PM
Hattie--I'm with you. I looked at several different postings, but the gleam didn't show up in any of the photos.
Joy--Isn't it? I always thought of spider web as being colorless.
Posted by: Cop Car | January 20, 2012 at 11:59 AM
Absolutely stunning!!!!!
Posted by: Kay Dennison | January 21, 2012 at 01:58 AM
Amazing and beautiful. I am sure it has never been worn, nor will it be. I should imagine that extra care for the cape is constantly required.
Posted by: Darlene | January 21, 2012 at 09:21 AM
Kay--No argument from me.
Darlene--I'm not sure what extra care would be needed. Spider (or worm, for that matter) silk is very strong. Although the text says that the vest is not bulletproof, I'm guessing that it would slow a bullet down, noticeably. Interesting question.
Posted by: Cop Car | January 21, 2012 at 10:31 AM
my question is what happened to the spider? is this the work of just ONE spider? or many of that species? it is extraordinary!
Posted by: M.E. | January 21, 2012 at 02:58 PM
ME--OK...one more time, you have inspired another posting. This time it is on spider silk. Thank you!
Hattie & Joy & Kay & Darlene--You must shoulder part of the "blame" for the next posting! *grinning*
Posted by: Cop Car | January 25, 2012 at 08:26 AM