The Classic Ten: The Cashmere Sweater (#5)

"The black cashmere turtleneck is a perfect garment."

-David Mamet 

I know I've become a little distracted from the Classic Ten series, but we aren't done yet! In fact, we are halfway there. Next up is the lovely, luxurious cashmere sweater. I have personally never owned a 100% cashmere sweater, though my mom does. For some reason, when I used think of cashmere I thought of older people, not to say my mom is old, but I usually associated it with a more mature crowd. Well, after reading this chapter in Nancy MacDonell Smith's The Classic Ten, I'm feeling more appreciative of this fiber. Then, I've also started thinking that cashmere is taken for granted a little bit and isn't mentioned enough as a wardrobe necessity.

Even Nancy didn't have warm feelings toward cashmere at first...

"... I had associated it with 1950s debutantes and English matrons in tweed skirts. The term twinset made me think of shapeless garments in sad colors. Not my cup of tea." Then her feelings changed when she physically encountered cashmere- actually feeling that lush fabric changed everything. I don't know if any of you have ever had the pleasure of touching, let alone owning the wonderful cashmere sweater, but it is soft, light yet still warm, smooth as butter and oh so comfortable. It's wonderfully squashy, one of Coco Chanel's favorites, and just lovely. All of this I got from touching my mom's cashmere sweater as it hung importantly in her closet. 

J. Crew v-neck cardigan in a gorgeous light, vintage-y pink.

A casual cashmere look by
Rag & Bone.

Some more J. Crew- but this time for the guys!
I suppose they deserve some luxury too.

Band of Outsiders cashmere cardigan. What a nice looking boy!

Kristen Stewart in Elle UK, wearing a beaded cashmere cardigan by Clements Ribeiro.

Pringle of Scotland claimed responsibility for the twinset in the 1930s.
For their 195th anniversary Tilda Swinton designed a cashmere twinset for them,
which she is wearing.

Actress Jean Simmons wearing a Pringle twinset circa 1950. 

Today, cashmere is a basic that can be worn when you're 20 up until your 90, and even longer! It's a classic that I feel tends to be forgotten, but with one touch, trust me, it will change everything. Just remember to keep a lookout for that cashmere black turtleneck sweater, David Mamet's perfect garment, seen in the quote at the top. You will look regal, elegant, timeless- and be comfortable and warm. Perfect for any classy girl.

Raquel x