Rayon, sometimes called “artificial silk,” was commercially produced for the first time in Europe in 1905. And at first glance there’s nothing artificial about it. Unlike other man-made fibers like nylon and polyester, rayon is made from wood pulp, not petroleum. That’s a good thing, right?

Well, unfortunately, to turn wood pulp, a natural, inexpensive and renewable resource, into rayon fiber, it needs to  be treated, bleached, soaked in caustic soda, aged, filtered, vacuum treated, pumped into a bath of sulfuric acid, washed, treated with a a dilute solution of sodium sulfide, and given a final wash. This requires loads of energy and water and contributes to both air and water pollution.

Which is just one more reason why you should choose today’s VPOD. This vintage rayon dress from the 1940s is simply darling with beautiful draping and a floral print that perfectly offsets the chocolate brown. Wear it now with tights, ankle boots and a little sweater. Then break it out for spring in high heels.

It’s a fantastic rayon find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Hemlock Vintage.

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