Fire Silk

Fire Silk is a fabric made from the cocoons of the Fire Silk Moth, which migrate twice a year to the Silk River region of Alaj. Unlike with other silks, weavers of fire silk do not separate out different colored cocoons, instead weaving many colors--usually yellows, oranges, and reds--together to create a fabric that shifts in color. It's name, however, does not come from its appearance, but from the moths, whose cocoons, when caught in the wind, make the Madu Plants to which they are attacked look as if they have caught fire.

In addition to its stunning appearance, fire silk is known for being particularly soft and breathable, as well as for its unique smell. When the moths' cocoons are harvested, they smell faintly of the madu nectar--usually described as a sweet, vanilla and citrus scent with earthy undertones. Though both the plants and the cocoons have a light smell, the smell becomes stronger when the cocoons are spun. Fire silk manufacturers say that it permeates the air and often workers say they can smell it on their clothes for hours afterward. Though some people swear the smell never fades from the fabric, most people agree that they cannot smell it after several uses. Therefore, fire silk is rarely prewashed before it is sewn.

by David Clode

Fire silk is a pricier fabric not only because its color makes it coveted, but also because the process of harvesting the cocoons is labor intensive. Furthermore, it is produced almost exclusively in Alaj. This has given rise to attempts to create cheap knockoffs, typically made by attempting to dye white silk or other fabrics. Thus, those looking for the genuine article have learned to identify it by smell. Some manufacturers of fakes have tried to imbue the fabric with fire silk's signature scent, but most attempts are failures. Most use vanilla and citrus insence, which makes the scent settle in the fabric, but has a smokiness, rather than an earthiness. Those who can wrap their fakes in madu blossoms, or even fire silk scraps, but this method rarely imbues fabric with the smell for a lengthy time. These attempts have also led to heavy restrictions in Alaj on the use of Madu blossoms in perfumes.