Cotton fields forever

There's always a lot of debate and difference of opinion about natural over synthetic but I think cotton is the one fiber that unites everyone. The sheer simplicity and natural goodness of cotton is what makes me love it so much and I've started working with it more than ever before. Anyone who knows me knows that my life in Turkey took a new direction when I started to discover the natural fibers and their history here. When I first moved here, I honestly never knew that Turkish cotton had quite such a dignified reputation. I've been especially interested in the cotton which is cultivated in the Aegean region and apparently Turkish organic cotton is classed top in the world and has a slight edge on the others because of it's incredible natural sheen which can't be matched by any other unless enduring a lot of processing.

Locals picking their own cotton in Izmir. Image: www.egedesonsuz.com

The cotton plant itself was actually introduced to Turkey in the 1st century and was successfully cultivated throughout the Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman ages. It is predominantly harvested in the Southeast, Mediterranean and Aegean regions of Turkey, and I personally prefer the cotton of the Aegean because of it's culture, climate and personality. Villages grow cotton in addition to producing olive oil and the combination is an inspiring, heady sensation. There's also something about the Aegean which is fresh, clean and friendly. An Anatolia steeped in beautiful history and a cradle to ancient civilization. Especially in Soke. Close your eyes, concentrate on smell and sound and imagine yourself in a prospering Byzantine setting...

So, if you happen to be visiting this region around late August/early September, make sure you visit Soke in Aydin for the Annual Cotton Festival held between 30 August - 6 September, 2010.

Cotton Twirl; made from Turkish cotton with a twist of viscose. Available in Lemon Sorbet, Strawberry Sorbet, Golden Syrup, Bluberry Sorbet, Orange Sorbet, Turkish Blue, Parma Violet, Cotton Candy.

Cotton Cutie; pure Turkish cotton. Available in Sunrise, Lavendar Twilight, Opal White, Desert Stone, Sky Blue, Sultan Tulip, Harem Pink, Ink Black, Pistachio Green, Aegean Blue.