Understanding Cashmere
CASHMERE
It’s no secret that we love cashmere. It is the finest, most luxurious yarn in the world. These super soft fibres are collected only once annually from the undercoat of cashmere goats with the cream of the crop coming from under the goat’s belly and from baby goats under a year old. Not only is it super soft, cashmere is produced in very small quantities and requires a long and detailed production process, that we only trust to the experts, making it one of the most highly-prized, and therefore most expensive, yarns in the world.
MERINO
Merino sheep are one of the world’s most ancient and toughest breeds. Their fleece allows them to endure temperatures from 35 degrees to 20 below zero. What’s their secret? Merino is technically active, meaning that it understands how to regulate temperature by switching between its own hot and cool settings as needed. With this level of versatility, it’s no wonder Merino is the go-to yarn for luxury sports wear. You’ll be pleased to hear that all our Merino is mulesing free.
BLENDS
Cashmere plays well with others and sometimes we use it alongside another fibre to give it a little boost. By adding cashmere to a standard wool blend, we can make our favourite silhouettes a bit more versatile.
For some extra luxury, we also mix our cashmere with silk. While equally soft, cashmere can’t compete with silk’s strength. Together, they create a blend that’s as strong as it is luxurious.
JERSEY
We’ve spent many years developing our Luxe Jersey Line to achieve the quality synonymous with our brand. Using our knitwear knowledge, we’ve developed a fabric that brings our designs to life at a weight that will fit and wear well. Every jersey silhouette is designed to drape over the body skimming but not clinging to your figure - turning heads and making you feel confident. Our Luxe Jersey collection is incredibly soft and makes the perfect layer underneath any of our jumpers if you have sensitive skin. Smart enough for cocktails but pyjama-level comfort? It’s a no brainer.
Cashmere queen
a cheeky start
With a small sketch book and some Scottish gumption, Belinda Robertson set out to make cashmere cool, launching her eponymous brand.
Quite the rabble rouser, Belinda quickly makes her name within the knitwear sector with daring designs like her infamous cashmere knickers. Cashmere has never been so cheeky.
london
belgravia boutique
Belinda, the UK’s ‘Queen of Cashmere’, opens her first boutique in Belgravia.
Belinda’s hard work does not go unnoticed by the industry as she begins to earn awards and accolades. The real jewel in our cashmere crown is Belinda’s OBE in 2001 for her service to the textile industry. And her honorary Fellowship with JK Rowling.
a growing following
Belinda’s following continues to grow adding style icons like Victoria Beckham, Helen Mirren, Madonna, Sharon Stone, and Oprah Winfrey to her fan base.
Never afraid to take a risk, Belinda Robertson is one of the first fashion brands to launch an ecommerce site while also introducing mail order catalogues
princess anne opens edinburgh
some royal assistance
Returning to the brand’s roots, Belinda Robertson opens its Dundas Street store in Edinburgh with help from Princess Anne.
Belinda’s skills and savoir faire are in demand as she’s appointed to several industry boards and organisations many of which she remains on to this day.
Couture & Luxe Jersey
Product Expansion
Belinda Robertson launches a completely bespoke service with the Cashmere Lounge making couture styles available in more than 120 colours.
Through Belinda’s extensive travelling, and experience in all things luxury knitwear, she launches a new Luxe Jersey line – a beautiful knitted fabric that is perfect for the demands of modern life.
an online focus
digital world
Sensing a change in the industry, Belinda decides to close her brick and mortar locations as their leases expired and begins selling online exclusively.