The rayon vs. viscose debate has been raging for decades in part, because rayon is a form of viscose, but the two could not be more different. Viscose is derived from plants and rayon is a manmade textile like polyester. Rayon is highly absorbent and easy to dye while viscose looks like silk and feels like cotton. Both rayon and viscose are manufactured in the same process but they differ in materials used. While rayon can be made with cellulose from a variety of plants, viscose is made from wood pulp or cotton. So there in lies the confusion. It is not exclusively used for fast-fashion as the following high-end designers have been using the two textiles for years.
Diane von Furstenberg
Diane von Furstenberg just released her Spring/Summer 2019 collection and you can bet your bottom dollar that there is plenty of rayon and viscose represented. As the queen of the wrap dress, this one time princess gives us plenty of bright colors for SS19 as she marches out her iconic wrap dress done in 100% silk, but without batting an eye she offers up a v-neck cocktail wrap dress in viscose and spandex.
Herve Leger
The French fashion house of Herve Leger has been rocking the couture world since 1985. While the designer does source some of the worlds finest materials, he’s not opposed to using viscose, rayon with a little nylon and polyester thrown in for good measure. In fact, the designer’s iconic bandage dress is made for 90% rayon, with just a dash of 9% nylon and 1% spandex for some wiggle room.
Jason Wu
Jason Wu is a New York based fashion designer who also has unlimited access to some of most expensive silks in the world to create his ready to wear line of dresses. However, he’s not so cheeky to scoff at rayon or viscose. For SS19 he offers up a bevy of viscose/spandex dresses right along side his silk masterpieces.
La Fiorentina
La Florentina is a family business who make wonderful women’s clothing. Founded in 1991 in Florence Italy, their name literally translates to “people of Florence.” The company specializes in wraps, gloves, shawls, poncho’s and fur vests. Like most successful fashion houses, they too have unlimited access to some of the finest silks, wools and cashmere. They do use viscose in some of their accessories like the 70% viscose 30% polyester floral printed wrap.
Love Sam
Dawn Mayo is the creative force behind Love Sam and the New York based designer has a cool vibe to her clothes as Mayo really designs things she would wear. For fall/winter she gave us a multiple choice of dresses to choose from, including a beaded stripe dress in chiffon viscose.
Marchesa
Marchesa is a high end womenswear company based in New York. Founded in 2004 by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig. The duo design stunning gowns and dresses and has dressed some of Hollywood’s most elite. While one could argue the Marchesa’s dresses are red carpet wear only, their evening gowns could be as comfortable at 5 star restaurant. They use a lot of silk and chiffon, but ever so often they sneak in rayon just to keep us on our toes.
Did you enjoy this post?
