He tardado un poco en volver con esta serie de posts, pero el estrés derivado de las obligaciones de la vida cotidiana me pedían más mascarillas faciales, lecturas en el sofá y videos de gatitos, mientras pensaba en que prenda podría ser relevante para la segunda entrega de estos artículos que tienen como objetivo enlistar aquellos objetos que crearían un fondo de armario ideal, usable en la vida real y duradero. Como es invierno he elegido el suéter de cashmere, en un intento por alabar una de las mejores sensaciones en los días fríos: sentirse cómodo en un suéter ancho, cómodo y calientito./ It took me a while to come back with this series of posts, but the stress derived from the duties of the daily life claimed for more facial masks, books and funny cat videos, while thinking about what garment could be relevant for the second chapter of this series of posts that aim to list those objects that would create an ideal capsule wardrobe, usable in the real life. We’re currently in winter so I have chosen the cashmere sweater, in an attempt to praise one of the best sensations on a cold day: feeling comfortable in a wide, comfortable and warm sweater.
CHAPTER 2. THE CASHMERE SWEATER ❄️
A SHORT STORY
Las primeras prendas de cashmere comenzaron a ser producidas por pastores asiáticos hace más de 2000 años, pero su estatus como prenda de lujo se da en el siglo XVIII cuando el tejido se populariza en Europa. Chalecos y fulares de cashmere eran símbolo de estatus en la corte francesa, logrando desatar una fiebre por las piezas de este tejido en la Francia post revolucionaria, eso sin necesidad de publicidad pagada vía redes sociales./ The first cashmere garments began to be produced by Asian shepherds more than 2000 years ago, but its status as a luxury garment occurs in the 18th century when this fabric became popular in Europe. Cashmere vests and scarves were a status symbol in the French court, it unleashed a fever for cashmere pieces in post-revolutionary France, and they didn’t have the need to pay influencers.
El cashmere viene de la adorable cabra de Cachemira, una especie originaria de varios países asiáticos como Mongolia y Nepal, donde pastores nómadas cuidan de rebaños durante todo el año, llevándolos a pastar por praderas para después trasquilar a las cabras en la primavera, tras el invierno en que los animales desarrollaron su pelaje para protegerse del frío (-40 o -45 grados)./ Cashmere comes from the adorable Kashmir goat, a species native that lives in Asian countries such as Mongolia and Nepal, where nomadic shepherds take care of herds throughout the year, leading them to graze through grasslands and then shear the goats during spring, after the winter in which the animals let their fur grow to protect themselves from the cold (-40 or -45 celsius degrees).
ICONIC MOMENTS
– Josefina Bonaparte era consentida por Napoleón con chales de cashmere que desataron la envidia de la alta sociedad francesa, poniendo el tejido de moda y convirtiéndolo en símbolo de estatus./ Josefina Bonaparte was spoiled by Napoleon with cashmere shawls that unleashed the envy of French high society, making cashmere a fashionable fabric and a status symbol.
– 200 años más tarde es Katie Holmes la encargada de hacer que se agote un conjunto de cashmere de la marca Khaité con un look post-ruptura. Así que ya lo saben, si están pasando por un mal momento amoroso reconfortarse en el cashmere es una buena opción./ 200 years later Katie Holmes is responsible for making viral a Khaité cashmere set that sold out. This was her post-break outfit, so if you’re going through this, comfortable cashmere is the answer.
El James Bond de Pierce Brosnan sabía que afrontar el peligro requería un suéter de cashmere, el suyo es de Ballantyne en un color que se puede utilizar tanto para combatir el crimen como para asistir a una cena elegante./ Pierce Brosnan as James Bond knew that facing villains required a cashmere sweater, his is from Ballantyne in a color that can be used both to fight crime and to attend an elegant dinner.
https://www.jamesbondlifestyle.com/product/ballantyne-cashmere-sweater
WHY SHOULD YOU GET ONE?
Más allá de las sensaciones de suavidad y comfort, un suéter de cashmere es un buen aislante térmico, a pesar de ser una prenda ligera sus tejidos abrigan tanto como una chaqueta gigante o el típico suéter de lana. Y vamos, que hay muchas prendas de invierno muy bonitas pero no parecer un muñeco de nieve con tantas capas es un desafío./ Beyond the sensations of softness and comfort, a cashmere sweater is a good thermal insulator, even it is a light garment, its fabrics are as warm as a giant jacket or the typical wool sweater. And come on, there are many beautiful winter clothes but to not look like a snowman with so many layers is definitely a challenge.
In this illustration: 1. Khaite Turtleneck Sweater + 2. Ganni Cardigan + 3. La Ligne Striped Wool and Cashmere Blend + 4. Uniqlo Sweater + 5. Everlane Crew
Tan hermoso como duradero, un suéter de cashmere admite infinidad de opciones: puedes ir a comprar el pan en una mañana fría para después pasar a descansar al sofá y al final del día dirigirte a una cena elegante, todo esto sin cambiar la base de tu atuendo./ Beautiful and timeless, a cashmere sweater admits countless options: you can go to buy breakfast on a cold morning and then go to rest on the couch and at the end of the day head to an elegant dinner, all of this without changing the key piece of your outfit.
THE CONTROVERSY
La democratización de la moda en tiempos recientes ha supuesto ventajas para nuestros bolsillos, pero historias de horror para muchas comunidades y un cambio estructural que cuesta trabajo dimensionar. Hoy cualquier cadena de fast fashion puede vender un suéter de cashmere por menos de 70 dólares, lo cual ha incrementado la demanda y ha dado pie al sobrepastoreo que a su vez se ve afectado por el incremento de la temperatura en Mongolia y Nepal y por las regulaciones tan laxas. Un drama medioambiental en la que todos de alguna manera u otra hacemos un impacto con nuestras decisiones de compra./ The democratization of fashion in recent times has meant advantages for our pockets, but horror stories for many communities and a structural change that is difficult to put in images. Today, any fast fashion store can sell a cashmere sweater for less than 70 dollars, which has increased demand and led to overgrazing which is affected by the increase in temperature in Mongolia and Nepal and by lax regulations. An environmental drama in which we all in some way or another make an impact with our decisions.
En cifras cortas, el material procedente de una sola cabra da para una bufanda y un poco más, por lo que se necesitarían dos cabras para producir un suéter de cashmere. También hay que tener en cuenta que no todo lo que pone cashmere es 100% cashmere, algunas prendas están hechas con mezclas de otros tejidos (lana y cashmere, algodón y cashmere, liocel y cashmere)./ In quick numbers, the material from a single goat is enough for a scarf and maybe a little more, so it would take two goats to produce a cashmere sweater. We must also bear in mind that not everything that says cashmere is 100% cashmere, some garments are made with mixtures of other fabrics (wool and cashmere, cotton and cashmere, liocel and cashmere).
¿Entonces cómo hacer una buena elección sin dejarse los ahorros de una vida? Los expertos dicen que una diferencia clave entre un suéter de cashmere de lujo y uno de tienda fast fashion está en el número de fibras. En este artículo de S MODA puedes encontrar más información al respecto./ So how to make a good choice without spending the savings of a life? Experts say that a key difference between a luxury cashmere sweater and a fast fashion store is in the number of fibers. You can find more information about it in this article published by S MODA.
Recuerda que así como una camiseta de 2 dólares no es compatible con unas buenas condiciones de trabajo, tampoco lo más caro significa siempre mejor y sostenible. Como consumidores tenemos que investigar un poco nuestras decisiones de compra cada vez más en un intento por añadir mejores prendas a nuestra colección y con una historia de trabajo justo detrás./ Keep in mind that just as a 2-dollar t-shirt is not compatible with good working conditions, neither does the most expensive always mean better and sustainable. As consumers we have to investigate a little more our buying decisions in an attempt to add better garments to our collection and with a history of fair work behind.
Fuentes/ Sources: SModa + VozPopuli + Vanity Fair
Ah what an interesting history lesson! I have never had a cashmere sweater though I may have and a cashmere blend at some point. It is good to know they sheer the goats after the winter. And yes you are right about luxury fashion too. I watched a very depressing documentary on where many of the high end designer brands get their Italian leather from in Italy. Yes it is produced in Italy but the conditions are pretty bad and they use/exploit immigrant workers and it run by um “rough” families…
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Thank you so much for reading Allie! I saw that documentary too, the backdrop of all these luxury items is very scary!
Such a genius post Pablo! Love the illustrations as always and great with the history lesson provided. I wrote about the cardigans today and definitely thought about Katie Holmes’ outfit too. Such an iconic moment indeed, love love love it. Also love how fast it got iconic, I felt like everyone talked about the outfit instantly. Anyways, so important that you brought up the sustainability perspective, as it’s a bit tricky indeed with the mix of cashmere and how it’s priced too low. Have a lovely week Pablo! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Hey Mia, hope you’re having a great week so far!
Katie Holme’s OOTD broke the internet a few years ago and suddenly my attention is over knits but relaxed looks.
XX, Pablo
And they didn’t have to pay influencers….your words made me smile. The French court started a lot of fashion trends so I’m not surprised by the fact that Josefine and her cashmere scarves started a fashion. I’m also not surprised that Napoleon gifted her cashmere scarves. Josefine helped him a lot in his political career, he had reasons to be grateful to her that went beyond reasons of hearts. I knew about the goats whose wool is used to make cashmere, they’re adorable animals. I remember one episode of Planet Earth or a similar documentary where these goats were mentioned. Sometimes pouches steal or kill these goats, poor things! It is important to protect them. I did learn some new things from your post. It was a fun history lesson and your illustrations are always beautiful.
I agree that a cashmere sweater is a classic. It always look elegant, I like the looks you selected to make your point, James Bond and Katie Holmes both wear their cashmere well. I don’t have a cashmere sweater,but I might buy it some day. It is a great investment piece and it offers great protection against the cold. I do have some scarves that are part cashmere and they are very warm.
Have a lovely week ahead.
Thank you for your sweet comments. Have a great week ahead!
Thank you so much for stopping by and for read all the post, Ivana 🙂 It is so nice to have your feedback in every article.
A very interesting post, Pablo!
Really, even if I’m usually attracted mainly from fast fashion, I have a number od basic pieces of very good quality (on which I’ve even invested pretty much money) that are super useful and very timeless.
Among these thare are some cachemere sweaters and scarves: I really like cachemire espercially for its softenes, lightness and warmt, it’s really another level compared with my last-trendy sweaters!
Plus I hate when wool stings me, so these are the only sweaters that I can wear directly on skin.
I have to say, anyway that my cachemire pieces are all less or more very classic and often in neural colors (apart some powder pink incursions) so that they dpn’t go out-of- fashion in a couple of seasons!
Anyway, when I purchase a piece so expensive I really care about the fabric, I usually only buy 100% cachermire or cachemire and silkso that I’m sure they’ll be an investiment.
And just to let you know: it may be seem pretty odd but I’ve found very very good prices for cachermire during a travel to Budapest: in that occasion I’ve bought a lot of sweaters and scarves, they’re no brand but the quality is very high! 😉
XO
S
https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com
Hey Silvia, hope you’re doing great!
Lately I’ve trying to add pieces of good quality to my closet, wish I could have all designer and sustainable but for now is not possible, but little by little we can create changes!
And good to know you have a bunch of good cashmere pieces, they can last many years 🙂
I had no idea about the ins and outs of cashmere. My first ever introduction to it was as a teenager watching Queer Eye. Carson Kressley was obsessed with cashmere sweaters. Every time I see that word I hear him in my mind saying “cashmere”. What a fascinating history it has and a sad future it has created. Fast fashion can be so evil to people and the planet.
Sxx
daringcoco.com
Welcome to the blog Sonia! Thank you so much for stopping by !
so many cool facts on cashmere I had on idea! this was really interesting!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
Such an interesting article here.
I love theses kinds of articles which make me learn so much more about fashion history.
And like always I love your illustrations. You’re so talented !
I always dreamt to have a cashmere sweater to look fancy haha but I still don’t have one. But I have few cashmere sweaters for babies as I working in a intern in a high end brand for kids and I was lucky to be there when they gave away some sweaters.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Thanks for your visit and for your compliments as usual Margot 🙂
Hey Fungi,
Feeling so cozy after reading this post. My favorite are turtle neck sweaters. Something about them gets me every time.
I’m starting to think spring/summer (yay!) as the sun is beginning to shine here!
http://www.fashionradi.com
Good to know you felt a cozy sensation 🙂
Neck sweaters are definitely on my list of favs 🙂
This was such an informative and interesting read, I enjoyed your article! I guess most of us love cashmere, but as you rightfully said, there is more to it than just fashion. We have to be smart consumers too. By the way, love your illustrations! xx
Naya
http://www.nayatilly.com
Hey Naya, welcome to the blog and thank you so much for reading! ❤️
BRAVOOOO!!! En serio te estoy aplaudiendo en el Starbucks mientras una gabacha se me queda viendo. En serio, me encantó el post y sobretodo aprender sobre el drama del cashmere. Yo no sabía que el cashmere podía ser tan problemático. Solamente tengo un turtleneck de cashmere, pero me voy a deshacer de él porque me quiero parecer más a Katie Holmes. Ntc. Seriously though, this post made me appreciate my old, ugly cashmere sweater even more. Muchas gracias por este post tan maravilloso. Te aprecio mucho, Pablo! Have a great weekend!
PerlaGiselle | iamperlita.com
♥ | instagram.com/iamperlita
Jajaja ya te dije por IG que tu comentario me hizo el día y me sacó una sonrisa 🙂 !
have a great weekend!
Nice illustrations and is good too know the issues about the materials involved in the making of a each garment, especially at this time when sustainability is so important for our planet.
Once Learned the what takes to make a sweater or a scarf we can do better choices in y our lifestyle.
Thanks for stopping by Ernesto! And yes, sustainability is becoming a real issue when it comes to decide to buy a garment or not…. So let’s try to make smart decisions as much as possible! 🙂
Hey Fungi!
Your collage art is so great and cute! I would love to wear a cashmere cardigan like Katie Holmes!
I really love your illustration of knit wears. In particular, the light blue knit wear from Kahite is so beautiful!
I saw the official site, and there are many great items.
That web site design is beautiful, too<3
I wear both luxury and fast fashion cashmere knit wear.
To be honest, I would love to wear luxury one always if I am super rich!
Have a lovely day <3
Akiko
Hey dear Akiko, thanks for your compliments and nice words, it is also nice to read more from you here, on your site or on IG !
Kahite is so beautiful, little bit expensive but they also offer sales!