Did you know that the fashion industry is the second largest polluter in the world, next to oil?  Never fear, because by buying from White Stole you’re doing something good for the planet!  Allow us to explain our enthusiasm…
 
White Stole was born to help our savvy Brides, Bridesmaids, Mothers-of-the Bride and Wedding Guests and Luxury Goods Lovers alike contribute to the decline in the demand and production of “fast-fashion” items by buying high-quality when others are buying low.
 
Although most people assume that most of what they wear is natural fiber clothing, this is far from the truth.  On top of how the fiber was grown and produced to create the fabric, how the fiber was processed, dyed and finished must be considered. 
 
Conventional manufacturing processes rely heavily on chemicals to clean and bleach fibers to prepare for spinning, weaving, knitting or dying - often with heavy metals and large amounts of water to flush and clean fabrics all the way up to and including the final finishing step in the garment process.  The facts regarding production of new materials also make vintage, recycled, reclaimed and surplus fabric arguably sustainable choices, as the raw materials require no agriculture and no further manufacturing to produce. 
 
Of utmost importance at White Stole is the fact that “Natural” fiber clothing refers to clothing made from fiber found in nature, such as the vegetable fibers of Cotton, Hemp, Linen and Flax; the protein fibers such as Wool, Alpaca and Cashmere; and the elastic fibrous secretions of silkworm larvae in cocoons used to create Silk. 
 
Each of the amazing natural fabrics in the White Stole Collection, irrespective of their distinct production and processing methods, nevertheless take them worlds-away from the man-made, artificially-created synthetic fibers which are chemically and structurally altered to the extent that they are toxic to both the person wearing them as well as to the planet.
 
For instance, despite the fact that all Cotton has a large carbon footprint for its cultivation and highly chemically treated production, Organic Cotton is considered a more sustainable choice for fabric because it is completely free of destructive toxic pesticides and chemical fertilizers.  And while many designers have begun experimenting with Bamboo fiber which absorbs greenhouse gases during its life cycle and grows quickly and plentifully without pesticides, Bamboo fabric can cause environmental harm in production due to the chemicals used to create a soft viscose from hard bamboo.  Some believe Hemp is one of the best choices for eco fabrics due to its ease of growth, though it remains illegal to grow in some countries.  
 
Most relevant and adored in the eyes of followers of White Stole, Silk, the “Queen of Fiber” and cherished by couture lovers the planet over, is the fact that there are multiple ways to grow and harvest secretions from the natural larvae – from wild to ancient methods that date back to the Ancient Chinese and the Roman Empire to more eco-friendly methods today. 

Whether choosing one continuous silk thread that has been dried, brushed and reeled around a spool to form one silk “raw” thread with its exceptional ability to absorb dye  - or silk salvaged and harvested from a cocoon in smaller strands then spun or woven in ways similar to cotton or hemp to allow more silkworms to survive - Real Silk holds the remarkably different feel and visible glossy luster, natural amber glow, texture, durability, natural stain-resistance, and high-quality look to the knowing designer and consumer of fine fabric. 

As with all natural fibers, Silk fashion is a blending of compromises.  Whether the silk is hand-loomed in rural India by ancient artisan weavers or pure-dyed with mild-acid, environmentally low-impact fiber reactive dyes in a modern Italian cottage-industry factory using an age-old creation process as in the goods presented in the White Stole Collection, the raising of silkworms is, by its very nature, sustainable.   And Silk is biodegradable! 

Silk fabric when produced by weavers on handlooms has a near zero energy footprint, while silk produced by powerloomed textile factories are evaluated on a company-basis to determine sustainability.  The environmentally- focused createurs are the suppliers White Stole has built their business upon.

White Stole exists to offer Luxury Couture created with the highest-quality and integrity, as well as sustainable and ethical standards in the handmade tradition that has built the reputation of respect and admiration the Italian Silk Industry holds to this day.  

In essence, it’s a double bottom line — buying from White Stole you are doing your small part to create a cleaner environment by choosing “Pure” Silk fabric that is already produced, dyed and finished in an organic, low-impact environment while being the chicest of Planet-Lovers!

Join White Stole in making great strides toward a more sustainable fashion industry with “Pure” Silk and Vintage Wraps!

View White Stole’s entire collection for size and color ranges of Stoles, Shawls, Foulard Wraps, Vintage Stoles, Cape Boleros for purchase, or rental, on our website.

White Stole's 'Charming Rose~Lilac' Couture Bridal Stole Wrap Wedding Accessory in sheer Silk Chiffon from the  Signature Valentino Collection ​takes the concept of sheer into the heavenly with its cascading rose design in shades from lavender and lilac to pale pink on blushed white that wraps sweeping pastels around shoulders, arms or neck in any wedding theme or setting - from an Urban or City Wedding, to a refined Country or Veranda Wedding - in any season. 

Delicately highlight your Modern Haute Bridal Party's silhouette with a rainbow of pastel shades that make your Bridal Gown and Bridesmaid Dresses not only something to dream about...but to remember for a lifetime!  A perfectly flowing Heirloom Gift for the bride and bridesmaids who know how to put the fun into elegance.  

To address their discriminating Brides’ tastes, White Stole has curated an Across-the-Era Collection of Couture Stole and Shawl Wraps to satisfy the predilection of women devoted to handmade, hand-silk-screened, heritage luxury goods who crave Haute Wedding Couture fashion at an affordable price.​ 

White Stole was born to help you feel like the exquisite creature you are with Couture Luxury Accessories that will last a lifetime….at affordable, Direct to You prices!  

This iconic brands’ graphic collection features rich color blocking and design to add superb styling to timeless, hand-crafted quality essentials…all with a decidedly cool Haute or Boho Wedding flare. 

A perfectly flowing Heirloom Gift for the Bride and Bridesmaids who know how to put the fun into elegance!  

And the best part of the story is that each piece that passes from our hands to yours gives you the perfect Heirloom to pass along to those you love.

Give yourself a pure silk Momento of your Haute Wedding Day that you will cherish forever.  Call to reserve our designs for your Spring, Garden Veranda Wedding today.

View White Stole’s entire collection for size and color ranges of Stoles, Shawl and Foulard Wraps, Vintage Stoles, Cape Boleros for purchase, or rental, on our website.

An Island Beach Wedding typically means a strong offshore breeze with blazing sun during the day and cooler air at sundown. And when we think of Island Resort Beach Wear, of all the accessories that come to mind to pair with our wedge sandals, feather-light maxi dresses, and loosely pinned locks we immediately opt to finish with a brightly colored clutch. 

But White Stole knows that there is One, Perfect Essential to make any Island, Beach or Resort Destination Wedding complete….… the PAREO Shawl! 

It's the "Secret Sauce" to your looking chic and polished, as well as stylishly comfortable from here...to there.  Whether wrapped around shoulders to chase away the chill brought by clouds or the evening breeze, shielding your shoulders from blazing sun, or draped around your neck, wrists or elbows as you walk oceanside, poolside or countryside, it's a Wrap that will keep you dancing with delight into twilight! 

Not to mention how perfect it feels to be wrapped-up in for the long plane ride back home after your Dream Wedding!  
The history of the Polynesia-influenced Pareo Shawl has resurfaced time and again onto the fashion scene since its first appearance in the United States in the 1950’s   From runway to glossy magazine and on into street style blogs, the 100% Silk 'Pareo' Shawl Accessory has captivated our nation for decades.

White Stole suggests you not spend a minute fighting off either sunburn or the night breeze, and instead remember to stow Leonard Paris’ Island Resort Wedding Season’s version of the perfect Wedding Wrap.   Impossible to forget, this Beach Resort Wedding Wrap is a step in the right direction, elevating your wedding as well as your beach days and night…. into sultry, oceanside style!

In the “Genevieve” Pareo Shawl Wrap by Leonard Paris, we are as equally mesmerized by ​its lush floral design in Persian rose, violet, golden yellow on pale pink as we are thrilled at the thought of wearing this bit of luxury silk bling onto the sand -  for both our wedding vows and our ocean inspiration!

White Stole’s collection of Island-inspired Silk Stoles, “Pareo” Shawls and Foulards call-out to your sheer maxi dress, bikini and rhinestone sandals to take them with you… all the way to Island Wedding Style!  

And the best part is that after your Wedding Day, you can tie them onto your beach bag, wrap them around your wrist or shoulders, and use them as head scarves to shield you from the burning rays of the sun.

What could be better than having one, single Wrap accessory to make your dream Destination Resort Wedding Day both functional….and perfect!?
 
View White Stole’s entire collection for size and color ranges of Stoles, Stole Wraps, Vintage Stoles, Stole Cape, and Shawl Accessories for purchase, or rental, on our website.

As sexual roles began to blur in the 1960s, Yves Saint Laurent carved a new identity that addressed the interplay between masculine and feminine. 

White Stole continues its research into the history of one of the most famous “Couturiers” of all time precisely because Saint Laurent’s exploration led in 1966 to his creation of the first version of the androgynous look for evening wear: The Tuxedo, “Le Smoking.”   This controversial “new” look which was feminized by pairing it with an organdy blouse with a soft bow. 

Saint Laurent challenged the customary codes of Evening Wear, which at the time were low-cut gowns for women and tuxedos for men, and went further to adopt menswear designs of the motorcycle jacket, the pantsuit, the trench coat, the aviator jumpsuit, and the safari jacket for his ready-to-wear line.  

​This is the kind of innovation that is in the very heart of the White Stole Collection! 

With Yves Saint Laurent’s launch of his ready-to-wear brand, SAINT LAURENT rive gauche in 1962, which pioneered the concept of Luxury Ready-to-Wear, his collections drew more and more inspiration from street life and pop culture. 

Saint Laurent’s proclamation that “you no longer need to be rich to have style” became forever wed in the hearts and minds of his admirers the world-over. 

At SAINT LAURENT rive gauche, he proposed “options” whether for Street Wear, Evening Wear or Wedding Dress - leaving a woman to choose whatever combinations she wanted, making it possible for women of all ages and circumstances to express their individuality. 

In every way, Saint Laurent anticipated the social revolution and dismissed the conventions and restrictions that anchored women’s fashion to the past.  His choice of muses who were famous women in their own right, notably, Betty Catroux, LouLou de La Falaise, and Paloma Picasso, added to his unique ability to design for the many inspiring facets of a modern woman, and sealed in the minds of the fashion world his ability to exemplify the synchronicity between appearance and lifestyle.   

Saint Laurent believed precisely matched outfits stood in the way of true self-expression.  The search for a “Look” replaced the choice of an “Outfit.” 

Loulou de La Falaise famously declared, ‘An outfit was something that was determined earlier - whereas a look is an idea!’

Saint Laurent boldly introduced the influential Retro Movement to a younger generation tired of the casual hippie look but who saw Haute Couture as a symbol of inequality.  With his ready-to-wear line, Saint Laurent offered an "alternative to Haute Couture," creating styles that were more affordable and easier to wear.  Through his ability to read and interpret the events of the world, Saint Laurent’s status grew equal to that of rockstars’ 

Saint Laurent’s influence extended well beyond fashion to the Art World. 

Saint Laurent’s first incorporation of fine art into fashion was the iconic Mondrian dress from 1965, which was a design based on Piet Mondrian’s 1920’s signature geometric composition that marked a breakthrough in modern painting.  Next, Saint Laurent turned his attention to artists of his own era who embodied the youthful spirit of Pop Art.  
Andy Warhol famously proclaimed “This guy is the only designer in Paris who really belongs to the sixties because he’s part of the world around him and therefore understands it” – a notoriety that propelled him to the Celebrity Couturier status that stayed with him throughout his career.

White Stole feels Saint Laurent’s embrace by bringing forward luxury Silk Couture Stoles to women who crave Haute Couture fashion at an affordable price!

View White Stole’s entire collection for size and color ranges of Stoles, Stole Wraps, Vintage Stoles, Stole Capes, Shawls, Foulard Scaves and Veiled Bridal Hair Accessories for purchase, or rental, on our website.

White Stole has written about our embrace of Yves Saint Laurent as a Couturier celebrated for his invitation to women to ‘dress to express herself through clothing.’ 

Without question, Saint Laurent liberated our sense of style and invented a modern look that suited contemporary women’s status in society then…and now.  But what is most treasured by White Stole’s Curators of Stole Style is his embrace of the Stole, Shawl, Scarf, Cape and Bolero Accessory,

A critical moment in Yves Saint Laurent’s career was his first evening dress design at the beginning of the Autumn-Winter 1955 collection for the Couture House of Dior.  This design of a black dress, draped with a white scarf worn by a woman astride two elephants in the now-iconic photograph by Richard Avedon, Dovima with Elephants, caused the sensation that would launch Saint Laurent to his iconic status we recognize today. 

Later, his Paris pink silk satin draped bodice with large bow atop black velvet skirt, created in 1983, paid homage to his ability to add the kind of design focal point that made him beloved the world over.

After discovering Morocco in 1966, Saint Laurent expanded his palette into what became a strong element of his style with the explosion of intense colors and the varied hues of traditional garments worn in the Medina.  From black, which he considered a real color, to the exploration of a broad colorful palate, and particular love of pink and blue, Saint Laurent’s sensitivity to color is noticeable in every aspect of his style.

As lovers of Couture, we applaud Saint Laurent’s use of costume jewelry, which was the most inventive in the history of fashion and followed the themes of each of his collections.  The importance granted to the Accessory - the Stole, Cape, Bolero, Shawl, Scarf and Jewelry - established the Saint Laurent look and prefigured the contemporary era. 
White Stole especially admires how Saint Laurent advised women without means to wear a very beautiful accessory over a simple skirt, a black sweater, and boots. 

Together, we are swept into a full embrace of Saint Laurent’s praise of Stoles, Capes and Bolero Wraps in the video footage of the 1998 World Cup soccer finals that contributed to the creation of Saint Laurent’s mythic persona.  This outsized retrospective fashion show at the Stade de France offered him the opportunity to present haute couture to a truly global audience as stunned fans and viewers from all over the world watched three hundred models walk the runway on the floor of the stadium to the music of Ravel’s Bolero. 

In the photos White Stole has carefully curated from the retrospective of that runway show preserved by the Fondation Pierre Berge – Yves Saint Laurent, The Perfection of Style, we witness that Saint Laurent avoided the over-designed approach of many traditional haute couture garments.  Instead, Saint Laurent focused attention on the beauty of the cut rather than superficial ornamentation – proving that the simplest dress can be more spectacular when brought to life with the perfect “Accessory.”  

White Stole celebrates the Stole, Shawl, Cape and Bolero heritage created in all fabrics, materials and textures for us by Saint Laurent, and hopes you enjoy our favorite photos posted here for your pleasure.

View White Stole’s entire collection for size and color ranges of Stoles, Stole Wraps, Vintage Stoles, Stole Capes, Shawls, Foulard Scaves and Veiled Bridal Hair Accessories for purchase, or rental, on our website.