Cashmere, a fibre obtained from Cashmere goats, is known for its natural softness, lightness, warmth and durability. It is one of the rarest natural fibres in the world, and lately there is an increase in demand for cashmere clothing in the luxury market.
In an interview with fibre2fashion, Ms. Perrine Ardourin, event director of Cashmere World, said, “Cashmere has always been a luxury product and it accounts for only one percent of wool produced worldwide with a market of 15,000 tonnes.”
Cashmere World, a vertically integrated business platform for the international cashmere trade organized by China Chamber of Commerce for Foodstuffs and Native Producer (CFNA) and UBM Asia, will be held from September 25-27, 2013 to promote various product sectors of cashmere industry, from raw materials to finished products.
“Some of the regions with high demand for cashmere products are mainly the northern industrialized countries such as Northern Europe, the US, Canada, with more demand emerging in China, Japan and other Asian countries seeking the luxury afforded by cashmere garments,” Ms. Ardourin says.
Recently, Sophie Dahl, the talented English author and fashion model, designed a capsule collection in partnership with the Scottish cashmere specialist Brora.
Similarly, Uniqlo announced that it will launch quality cashmere items through its retail and online stores in 14 markets around the world including Japan.
The company said in a statement that Uniqlo had to limit sales of cashmere items in 2010 because of supply issues and the company has now collaborated with world class cashmere producers to maintain steady supplies.
However, Ms. Ardouin informs, “In recent years, poor quality cashmere garments are available in the market which are made by mixing cashmere with wool and other fibres.”
“The combination of such fibres does not enhance cashmere’s natural properties and it can result in a hybrid fabric which can be affordable for less accommodating pocket of the consumer,” she concludes.
