Selvedge - Issue 125: Mediterranean

Summer skies and the soft rustle of crisp cottons... step into a Mediterranean holiday with the summer 2025 issue of Selvedge magazine.

With the economy in disarray and family finances squeezed in all directions, the first thing to go is often a holiday, a luxury we think we can live without. However, the long-term effect of not taking a break can be more significant than the balance sheet indicates...

So if you can squeeze in a holiday, I urge you to savour every moment, but if not, pull up a rattan armchair and travel with us through the blue waters of the Mediterranean, stopping on the islands of Madeira and Mallorca. In Greece, we visit the Benaki Museum, to discover the importance of weaving in mythology and in the everyday lives of the Greek people. We unpick an Egyptian embroidery technique found on traditional dress, which has had a starring role in Hollywood movies and contemporary catwalks. We travel on to Spain, Portugal, and Italy, where we discover contemporary makers working with natural materials to fashion covetable products. In Morocco, we follow an antique hunter searching for rugs and find Siroua sheep, a rare breed that has inspired a new brand.

Finally, we’re on the edge of Europe in Istanbul, famed for its Hammam and handwoven towels. It’s a treasure trove of textile patterns and colours. I hope our flight of fancy refreshes and energises you for the coming months.

Polly Leonard, Founder