Often handed down within families for generations, the craft of batik is intertwined with the cultural identity of the Indonesian people and, through the symbolic meanings of its colours and designs, expresses their creativity and spirituality.

UNESCO: Culture

Iran's biggest car producer, Iran Khodro, says it will come in a range of feminine colours and interior designs.

BBC: Iran unveils plan for women's car

Elvira explains that each village has its own method of weaving and its own designs and colours - so the variety is dazzling.

BBC: A Mayan revival

For Lord McAlpine, the appeal of textiles lies in their imaginative, abstract designs and the subtle colours that come from using vegetable rather than synthetic dyes.

ECONOMIST: Art.view: From Rothko to rag dolls | The