Palmyra Duster

This duster is named after Palmyra (Tadmur), an ancient city in the Syrian desert. For centuries, Palmyra stood at the meeting point of trade routes linking the Mediterranean to Persia and beyond. Caravans crossed through its stone colonnades, and merchants, translators, and travelers passed through its gates. During the recent war, Palmyra was captured and recaptured multiple times. In 2015–2017, armed forces destroyed parts of the Temple of Bel, the Temple of Baalshamin, and segments of the Arch of Triumph. Museums were looted, and artifacts were taken or broken. Families who lived in and around the city were displaced, returning later to find both structural loss and the absence of archives, documents, and objects tied to personal and community history.

Restoration began in steps: archaeologists documented surviving pieces, local residents protected remaining stones, and craftspeople recorded architectural details so they could be rebuilt accurately. The work is ongoing- not to recreate the past, but to ensure that what remains is not erased.

This duster is named for that kind of preservation: steady, careful work to maintain cultural memory when destruction has occurred.

Fabric

A textured metallic brocade with a soft, irregular surface.
The fabric has a crinkled finish - not smooth, not glossy - but layered, like stone that has weathered over time.
The metallic threads catch light in a glimmer, shifting gently rather than shining sharply.
It drapes with structure, holding the long silhouette while still moving with the body.
The effect is understated and dimensional - detail that becomes clearer the longer you look.

Made to Order

After placing your order, please share:

• Your height (or preferred length)

• Shoulder width

• Your usual size (S / M / L / XL) to guide overall proportion

Each piece is cut and sewn individually.
Every order provides work for a refugee craftswoman in our sewing network.