Essential Toronto Magazine 2016 | Page 33

M i TTenS and SLi PPerS F roM T he caS h M ere S hoP

Not all cashmere is made equal ; here Alison Currie offers her top tips .

1 . check the label for the garment contents . Lots of companies are misrepresenting their items as cashmere when there is very little cashmere in them .

2 . Make sure the cashmere is knit tightly . with the exception of some items , cashmere is best knit tightly . The tighter the knit , the less chance of pilling .

3 . ensure the garments in the store don ’ t have excessive loose hairs and don ’ t pill or tangle when rubbed together .

it ’ s also a versatile natural material , notes gutierrez , because it can be warm in cold weather , yet allows air to flow through when temperatures rise .

cashmere is also shaking its musty image as something worn by older generations , best represented by grandma ’ s traditional two-piece cardigan set . gutierrez has noticed a younger clientele at her stores , who are gravitating to the boutique ’ s trendy pieces with seasonally-changing silhouettes and a broad array of colours .

Fashion-forward brands like Uniqlo are also staking their claim in the coveted market , drawing in younger consumers . The beloved Japanese company , which opened its first canadian outposts in fall 2016 at the cF Toronto eaton centre and yorkdale Shopping centre , carries a staple of crew and V-neck sweaters for men and women in a neutral palate of navy and grey , but also such eye-catching hues as red and yellow , all made from the hairs of goats raised in inner Mongolia .

american retailer Lord & Taylor , which was founded in 1826 , became synonymous with the opulent selection of cashmere shawls at its department stores . in time , the line grew to include sweaters , which continue to be held in high regard . Locally , shoppers can exclusively purchase the company ’ s signature sweaters at hudson ’ s Bay . another american clothier , Brooks Brothers , has established a loyal following for its cashmere garments , many of which are imported from Scotland ’ s most notable mill , Todd & duncan .

cashmere , says gutierrez , is a “ world renowned as a luxury item . Therefore cashmere gifts will always be considered as a special and valuable gift .” a herder in M ongoL i a wiT h T he F i B reS F roM a recenTLy-S horn goaT photo courtesy of black goat cashmere .

essential toronto 2016-2017 // where . ca 33