[sleazie ninja]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caffeine I went to the Marc Jacobs sale and got a double sided cashmere polo. Now I am so convinced that MJ makes the best cashmere. yes, feeling even better than Loro Piana.

I could be mistaken but dating back a few years, I feel like a lot of the cashmere that Marc Jacobs used were cashmere blends, i.e., not 100% cashmere. But then again, I do remember feeling his cashmere sweaters from more recent collections and thinking how soft they were... In my experience I think Tse, Malo and Loro PianO have really nice cashmere.

also, you can't beat j. crew cashmere sweater for 166 bucks (99 dollars on sale over the holiday).

As far as pilling goes, I think hand washing cashmere is the best way to go, also they these little gadgets that can help with any excessive pillage...

[Gleam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleazie ninja also, you can't beat j. crew cashmere sweater for 166 bucks (99 dollars on sale over the holiday).

J.Crew and Ralph Lauren both get their cashmere from Loro Piana mills.

[laurette]

Does anyone have experiences with FTC Cashmeres?

http://www.cashmereworld.com/

[lmelanie]

I'm allergic to a lot of fabrics. I can only wear the cashmere thats made in Europe...for some reason when the cashmere is from china it itches like crazy...

[Ksanochka Vanmra]

Where I worked they said the best cashmere was from an italian brand called Ballantyne. I don't know if it's the best, but the jumpers they had looked awful.

[belletrist]

Ballantyne is still one of the best, even if they changed since the italians bought them. Stupid design recently, nothing classy, but outstanding quality.

Loro Piana, Hermès are the two other best ones.

As for fashion designers, I love my Alexander McQueen cashmeres. My Dior Homme ones are nice, but from lower quality (at higher prices )

[belletrist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gleam J.Crew and Ralph Lauren both get their cashmere from Loro Piana mills.

Which, of course, doesn't mean that they are similar. A lot of obscure brands use LP fabrics. Anyway Loro Piana usd 800 sweaters have nothing in common with J-Crew's (which are decent, for the price). Still, good cashmere IS expensive.

[ChristionCouture]

Quote:

Originally Posted by belletrist Ballantyne is still one of the best, even if they changed since the italians bought them. Stupid design recently, nothing classy, but outstanding quality. Loro Piana, Hermès are the two other best ones. As for fashion designers, I love my Alexander McQueen cashmeres. My Dior Homme ones are nice, but from lower quality (at higher prices )

Ditto

[Zarina]

There is a Danish brand called Maanestraale (means moonbeam), which makes nice cashmere from 250$ - they call themselves "Simple Knitwear" abroad, but I don't know where they are available. They can be contacted here:
Nikolaj@maanestraale.dk +45 2390 8070

[Caffeine]

Quote:

Originally Posted by belletrist Which, of course, doesn't mean that they are similar. A lot of obscure brands use LP fabrics. Anyway Loro Piana usd 800 sweaters have nothing in common with J-Crew's (which are decent, for the price). Still, good cashmere IS expensive.

I agree with you. I can't wear Jcrew cashmere swtrs at all because they are so itchy!

[Street_a_Licious]

Anyone knows anything about H&M cashmere? I've only seen them while passing, but I don't think it states what #ply it is. (Why does H&M only produce V-Necks? I prefer Crewnecks, all the way!)

[Zarina]

^I have seen H&M cashmere in person and it is lamentable!

[Street_a_Licious]

^Wow... really so bad?

[Zarina]

Yes, VERY bad imo - at least the female collection. I think the men's collection was slightly better.

[travis_nw8]

for everyday cashmere i prefer john smedley- wearable 3 ply and well priced

but i love loro piana's baby cashmere- soft and light (and cheaper than vicuna!)