"Mantili" Silk Scarves

"Mantili" Silk Scarves

In Kalamata, silk production flourished in the past, with the city becoming renowned for its silk trade in the late 19th century. The nuns in Kalamata's monasteries played a significant role, raising silkworms and producing an impressive 3 tons of silk annually. They crafted scarves known as "Mantili Kalamatiano," which became famous worldwide. At Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, we pay homage to this tradition by offering the opportunity to create your own unique silk scarf. Using the ancient technique of Bundle dyeing, also known as eco-printing, we employ botanical dyes sourced from flowers, leaves, bark, roots, and kitchen waste such as onion skins, avocados, and pomegranate skins. Steam is used to transfer the plant's colours onto the fabric, resulting in beautiful herbal-infused prints. Embrace the unpredictable nature of the process and enjoy a chance to play and experiment with your design.