Europe

Spider silk cape unveiled

Updated 8:09 AM ET, Wed January 25, 2012
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A cape and a scarf made from the silk of Madagascan golden orb spiders have gone on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Simon Peers and Nicholas Godley/V&A
A team of specially-trained handlers spent seven years collecting more than 1.2 million spiders and harvesting their silk, which is naturally bright yellow and incredibly strong. John Brown/V&A
The cape and scarf were made by Simon Peers and Nicholas Godley, who have lived in Madagascar for many years. Simon Peers and Nicholas Godley/V&A
The brocade scarf is woven in a traditional Malagasy pattern... John Brown/V&A
While the cape is delicately embroidered with spiders and plant motifs. Simon Peers and Nicholas Godley/V&A
Peers (left), a textile expert, and fashion designer Nicholas Godley (right) with a model wearing their cape. The garment will be on display until June. AFP/Getty Images