7 Sisters, Kyrgystan

This stunning vest was handmade by 7 Sisters, a very talented family of sisters from Kyrgyzstan who use the traditional, labor-intensive Kyrgyz "ala-kiyiz" technique that combines delicate, airy, handwoven silk with two layers of felted Kyrgyz wool.

For thirteen years, the sisters have worked together, pressing vibrant felt into the rippling designs that tell stories of their culture. The process is extremely labor-intensive, requiring intricate cutting and stitching, as well as multiple soakings, rollings, and rinsing. And the result is a beautiful piece of unique and very wearable art. 

7 Sisters has received seven UNESCO Award of Excellence commendations for its superior work.

Inspired by the harmony of the flora and fauna in Kyrgyzstan, the intricate design is patterned, cut from the felted wool and "wheeled" or layered onto the silk. Once rolled and immersed in soapy water the felt adheres to the silk. The final step is dyeing.