In France’s second-largest city, Lyon, an area called La Croix-Roussen is home to the city’s once-magnificent Silk District. For centuries, La Croix-Roussen was the epicenter of Europe’s silk industry, widely known for producing the best, highest-quality silks. They draped the heads and bodies of some of history’s most notable and infamous figures, including King Louis XI of France, who became an official fan and patron of Lyon silk in 1466. His royal patronage (and purse) helped to thrust the once small industry into Europe’s preeminent silk manufacturing center. During his…
