The English word brocade (a term for both the weaving process and resulting fabric) comes from the Italian broccato, meaning “embossed cloth,” from the word brocco (“small nail”) -which evolved from the Latin broccus, meaning “projecting” or “pointed.” The brocade tradition itself, however, comes from an even older process that may have originated in China as early as 475 BC. Once a popular choice for men’s formal suiting as well as women’s formal gowns, the unique woven textile boasts ancient origins as well as an ever-evolving following today. Frequently used for upholstery and drapery, the luxurious textile is now made from a wide variety of fabrics, including silk, linen, wool, cotton, taffeta, rayon, and other synthetic fibers. Originally crafted from silk, brocade is a lustrous, high-quality woven fabric featuring intricate designs.
