Whenever we are lucky enough to find ourselves in Paris; pounding cobblestone streets rather than slippery mall floors, and spending leisurely hours conversing with sales assistant about the virtues of one party dress versus another, we are reminded of the singular pleasure that comes from a hands on experience. Though we absolutely adore the ease and speed of online e-tailing, sometimes a personalised experience, where your unique needs are considered, and desires factored is incomparable to any other shopping alternative. This week, designer Rebecca McGeoch of Gasparre Cashmere gives us her expert advice for caring for cashmere and fur, Gentlemen’s Supply Co. prove that bespoke services can come in an online package, Gucci brings Italian luxury downunder,and AITKEN & Co. pops into Bondi Junction;
By Bianca Healey.
Luxe cashmere clothing label Gasparre Cashmere sources its materials from the kel goat, found in the remote high altitudes of Central Asia. This discerning method ensures that the cashmere created is of the highest quality and has a feather-soft lightness.
Designer Rebecca McGeoch‘s insistance on a peerless level of quality ensures the incredible quality of her collections. In preparation for Winter, Rebecca has given us her top tips on how to maintain cashmere & fur;
Caring for Cashmere:
Washing: Your cashmere garments will increase in softness with wear and each wash and will last for decades you care for your cashmere knitwear carefully. Basic cashmere knitwear can be hand and machine washed. If you have an embellished style or fur trims please dry clean only.
Machine Washing Cashmere: When washing your cashmere in a the machine ensure you use a specialist cashmere or delicates washing liquid. And use the delicates cycle. Remember never tumble Dry. Always use a laundry delicate bag.
Hand Washing Cashmere: Wash your cashmere garment in lukewarm water using a mild detergent. Squeeze the suds gently through the fabric and do not rub, wring or stretch the fabric in any way. Then rinse carefully in clean lukewarm water until all the detergent has been removed and the water runs clear.
Soaking wet cashmere knitwear should only be lifted after the excess water has been squeezed out as it may stretch if you are not careful. Once your cashmere has been washed, smooth it back into its original shape and place it flat on a towel and dry naturally away from direct heat. Lay garments flat in the shade to dry as hanging garments while wet will cause them to misshape. You should not leave your cashmere wet; you should dry it as soon as soon as you have washed it to avoid a damp smell. When your cashmere garment is dry you may Cool iron if necessary, using a cloth in between garment and iron to remove any slight creases.
Moth Prevention: We suggest storing cashmere knitwear in sealed boxes or bags if you are not wearing a garment regularly so you don’t risk damage from moths. You should always thoroughly dry your cashmere sweaters before you store them, as damp knitwear is more attractive to insects and moths.
Storage: When you are storing cashmere garments try to avoid hanging them as this will cause sagging and distort the shape of the shoulders of cashmere jumpers and cardigans. We recommend you store your winter cashmere clothing in the summer months in cotton breathable washable garment bags. Try to avoid plastic or a hot or damp place as cashmere needs to be able to breathe.
Pilling: After a lot of wear you may find small pills, of fiber forming on the surface of your cashmere knitwear. These small pills are caused by some of the loose fibers rubbing together during wear, for example under the arms or on the elbows and sleeves of cashmere jumpers and sweaters. This pilling does not indicate inferior quality cashmere knitwear; it is the result of wearing such a fine fiber. Theses pills can be very easily removed, either by carefully picking the balls off by hand or by using a cashmere comb.
Caring for your Fur:
1) If you get caught in the light rain or snow, then it is no problem. Simply shake out your garment and remove as much water as possible. Then allow your fur to fully dry before putting it away. After your fur is dry, shake to fluff the fur, do not comb or brush, simply smooth the fur with your hand.
2) Do not use a hair dryer, clothes dryer or any direct heat on the fur.
3) Never iron the fur lining. Ironing will ruin the fur as the heat will penetrate through to the other side and cause the fur to dry out and loose its luster.
4) Avoid using hairspray or perfume when wearing your fur as the formulas of most brands contain alcohol which can dry out the hides and as a result decrease the life of your fur. The chemicals will seep down into the fur and can take away from the natural full look that a usually fur has. Any oils may penetrate the fur and could spread through the garment.
5) Odors from perfume spills or other chemicals are nearly impossible to remove if not attended to straight away. The odor will transfer and linger in the fur if left unattended. At first the fur will protect itself and the smell will just sit on the hairs. At this point the smell is easily remedied with limited cost and effort. However, as time goes on, the smell will travel to the leather and will seep into it. Then the solution is a much lengthier process of removing the lining to clean the fur inside and out.
6) Store in a cool place where the temperature is even. Do not store in an overly humid or dry place where no air is circulating. Furs that are properly stored, particulalrly during hot weather, can last up to fifty years or more.
7) Do not store your fur in a cedar closet or chest. The oils can harm the fur.
8) Your fur coat should be cleaned every 2-3 year by a professional fur cleaner . Even if you don’t wear it often, animal fur gathers dust, oils and odors. Professional cleaning will add luster and shine to the fur and keep it from becoming matted.
9) Avoid carrying a bag on your shoulder when wearing fur.
10) Do not wait to remove stains. Leaving stains will make them much harder to remove and they have the potential to ruin the fur. Small stains can be removed from fur with a gentle soap and bit of water. When using soap and water, don’t wet the fur. Just keep the sponge lightly moist and rub the stain so that the soap makes just a bit foam. In the end rinse the sponge well and remove all of the foam residue. Use only a moist sponge. You may also need to rinse the sponge several times.
Shop online at:
Gentlemen’s Supply Co. is a godsend for the well-groomed modern male who takes pride in his appearance but doesn’t always have the time in his busy schedule for regular shopping trips. Or for the girlfriend or wife who dreams of the well-groomed modern male! The service was developed by Eli Chaiton; business development manager at Claude Sebastian Menswear, and brings together an array of esteemed menswear labels to provide for this innovative new shopping experience.
The service is designed to assist men in finding great clothes that suit their body type and personal style without the hassle of shopping. Ingeniously, it also functions as a personal shopping service for women; to select their men’s clothes, send it out to them and then send back the items that aren’t wanted.
Everything is delivered free and returned for free (a big plus with e-tailing) and the service allows you to have as little or as much involvement as you would like. After signing up with the service (there are no membership fees), your personalised stylist will contact you and pack up a crate based on the details provided about your man and his style. Clothes are tried on in the comfort of home, and the bane of many men’s existences; the ‘shop change room’ is eliminated. Best of all, there are no stylist fees, shipping charges or hidden costs.
Find out more at gentlemenssupply.com.au and watch just about the cutest animated video ever about the Gentlemen’s Supply Co. process.
Image Credit: lenoeudpapillon.blogspot
The Italian fashion house Gucci are synonymous with Mediterranean sensuality, high impact luxe looks, and, of course, well-dressed Italian men. To mark the 60th anniversary of the iconic Horsebit loafer, the brand are bringing Sydney a taste of the individualized craftsmanship that is an important part of their heritage. Craftsmen will be brought to selected Sydney Gucci stores from Florence for a series of special showcases of their traditional shoe-making techniques.
At the Artisan Corner, the House’s shoe craftsmen will display their work on signature men’s styles, as well as demonstrate expert techniques used in the shoe-making process. Customers who attend will be able to witness the elite craftsmen’s attention to detail and superb handwork involved in the production of a luxury house’s leather goods.
Artisan Corner:
Sydney Flagship store:
May 21th-23rd 2013
(02) 9221 8999
Sydney The Star boutique:
May 25th 2013
(02) 9692 9199
Chadstone boutique:
May 28th-30th
(03) 9639 5539
Investigate at gucci.com
Luxury cashmere label AITKEN & Co. have provided many an item for our wish list as the weather cools, so you can imagine our delight to discover that they are bringing a pop up shop to Westfield Bondi Junction! In collaboration with H Brand, the shop will open on Monday the 20th May and run right until Sunday 26th May 2013.
Prepare for this to become your one-stop Winter warmers shop, replete with an abundance of luxe cashmere pieces for men and women, chic sleep wear, homewares and children’s wear. H Brand specialize in high quality hand-knitted rabbit fur vests and fox trim collars in a range of delectable hues; blush, camel, ash and midnight navy to name a few. The pop up (which sounds like it will be the retail equivalent of a giant hug) promises to delight all who desire attire which looks as delightful as it feels.
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