Why is cashmere so expensive
“The fact is that the price of cashmere depends on its weight,” Falconeri experts explain. - One cashmere goat is capable of producing only 100-200 grams of down per year, so there are few products made from this fiber, and it is so highly valued. To create one sweater, you need 2-3 animal fluff. A coat requires about 15–20 goats. In addition, the collection of down is done only by hand once a year in the spring, when it gets warm and the animals no longer need undercoat."
“The price on the commodity exchange is changing: weather conditions affect the quantity and quality of raw materials. Over the past 20 years, there has been a tendency for prices to rise, - says Victoria Saava. - The material has become fashionable, cashmere items are produced not only by specialized brands, now it can be found in the collections of many brands. But I believe that it is better to buy cashmere clothes from brands that specialize in it - the quality is guaranteed there. Real cashmere is a luxury."
© Peserico (Smolensky Passage shopping center)
About types of cashmere
Falconeri experts note that the type of cashmere depends on the region where it is produced, as well as on the processing methods: “Different processes make it possible to obtain a thin or dense material, as well as cashmere from which the coat is made. An important role is played by the age of the animal from which the fluff was obtained. For example, baby cashmere fluff is obtained from kids at the age of only a few months, and no more than 30 grams from each animal. In the Falconeri collection, we offer two types of cashmere: "ultra-light" and "ultra-soft". All cashmere comes from Inner Mongolia - the northern part of China, which is famous for the highest quality cashmere. To create products from these materials, we use innovative ways of processing fibers that make things incredibly thin, soft, light and delicate."
© Falconeri
But Victoria Saava believes that there is only one type of cashmere - cashmere goat fluff. But the quality of the material depends on many factors. In particular, on where, in what area and in what conditions the goat lives and even what it eats: “The natural conditions of the goat's habitat are important: temperature drops and the mineral composition of the diet. All this affects the length, quality and fineness of the fibers."
In addition, natural cashmere varies in color. Natural color is brown, gray, black, white and even red. Red is the rarest and the most expensive is white. 75% of the white cashmere comes from Inner Mongolia. Mongolian cashmere is mostly gray and brown. Capra hircus goats are still bred in Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, but their share in world raw material production is insignificant.
© Agnona (Vremena Goda shopping center)
“There are several leaders in cashmere processing, among them the brands Colombo and Agnona (a Zegna Group holding). The Scottish company Todd & Duncan has cashmere that is harder and denser, it wears a long time and gradually becomes softer, - says Victoria. “Some brands use modern technology and natural dyes to create interesting cashmere colors, while Avant Toi's grunge-style garments, for example, are hand-dyed.”
How to distinguish quality cashmere
from poor quality
Falconeri experts recommend adhering to four rules:
one -
When choosing a cashmere product, consider its appearance and tactile effect.
2 -
Pay attention to the density of the knitted fabric, to the tension of the threads. You can stretch the fabric slightly: high-quality cashmere then immediately returns to its original state, since its threads are quite tightly twisted.
3 -
Excessive fluffiness of cashmere means that it is made of short fluff, which means that it will heavily peel (become covered with pellets). Good cashmere only gets better over time.
© Falconeri
four -
It is best to give preference to trusted brands.
For example, at Falconeri, cashmere fibers are thoroughly tested before entering production. One of the brand suppliers is Cariaggi, which also works with Brunello Cucinelli, Dolce & Gabbana and other major fashion brands.
Victoria Saava suggests following a similar instruction: “If clothes are made from shorter fibers, the risk of peeling is higher. It's easy to check. It is necessary to take the thing in hand and roll it up a little: if the product contains short fibers, then pellets will appear on the surface. However, the formation of peeling does not mean that the item is of poor quality or not made of cashmere at all: it is a sign that the fibers for its production were not the longest."
© Ereda ("Cashmere and Silk")
How to care for cashmere items
Falconeri experts say that care has a particular effect on the durability of things: the temperature of the water and special products for washing, drying methods, and ventilation. Several factors play an important role:
one -
Cashmere loves water: it reveals the positive properties of the material, making it softer and more delicate.
2 -
Cashmere needs rest, so it is recommended to wear a cashmere item no more than twice a week.
3 -
It is best to wash your cashmere garment after every fourth wear. It is preferable to hand wash in cool water (no higher than 30 degrees) with a liquid detergent, since the powder will clog into the fibers and spoil them.
four -
When washing and rinsing the product, you do not need to change the water temperature. The product can not be twisted, it is better to gently squeeze it so that the water glass a little, then spread a towel, put a thing on it, blot it with the rest of the towel and leave it for a while so that the water is absorbed. After that, remove the towel and leave the product to dry on a horizontal surface away from heating appliances and sunlight.
© Falconeri
five -
After each wear, it is worth ventilating the product for an hour, for example, on the balcony, hanging it on a hanger or the back of a chair. After that, you need to put the item in a dark closet, where you can also put a sachet with lavender: this will help avoid problems associated with the appearance of moths.
6 -
Do not store the product on a hanger, as the knitwear can stretch out. It is best to keep the item folded on a shelf in your closet.
It is also important not to forget that certain things are made of mixed materials. “If cashmere contains additives or special processing or decor is used in its production, then it is better to take the item to a good dry-cleaner,” says Victoria Saava. - True, the quality of the fiber after dry cleaning may change. Cashmere clothes with additives and cashmere outerwear should be trusted only by dry cleaning. Personally, I like to wash cashmere knitwear: it becomes even softer, more comfortable and wears longer. Remember, you can use hair shampoo as a cleaning agent.”
As for storage, the Cashmere & Silk expert advises using only special hangers: with a coating that fixes the shape of the shoulder. This method is best suited for items where cashmere is combined with other materials, such as silk, as well as for cashmere outerwear.
In addition, Victoria notes that cashmere should not be packed in plastic bags, it is better to use canvas fabrics for this: “This way cashmere products will be preserved impeccably and can be left as a legacy to children and grandchildren. Cashmere is practically timeless material!”>