
Cashmere: Elegance with history and tradition
Cashmere is more than a fabric—it's a journey through centuries, cultures, and craftsmanship. At SAINTE MER, my heart beats for this fiber—not just for its softness and warmth, but also for its history. Here's a journey through the origins, mastery, and magic of cashmere.
🏔 Origin and name origin
The name "Kashmir" derives from the region of the same name in the Himalayas, located between India, Pakistan, and China. This region was already known in ancient times for its fine fibers and was considered a treasure house of precious wools. The tradition stretches back to ancient times.
✂️ The art of extraction
Cashmere goats, whose undercoat is particularly soft and insulating, live in the cool, high altitudes. These fine fibers are traditionally combed out by hand—a laborious and delicate task requiring expertise, patience, and care. This creates the foundation for the precious material we love today.
🌿 The heyday of cashmere production
The cashmere industry reached its peak under the Mughal rulers (15th–16th centuries). The finest fabrics, intricate weaves, and elegant shawls became sought-after trade goods along the Silk Road. The luxury of cashmere spread to palaces and courts—a symbol of wealth, beauty, and refined taste.
🧵 Cashmere in the modern world
Today, cashmere embodies timeless elegance and luxurious comfort. Luxury labels and designers value it for its softness, warmth, and aesthetic appeal—especially when the processing is traceable, authentic, and responsible.
But in a world of mass production, the artisanal tradition remains challenging. At SAINTE MER, I want to preserve this tradition – through conscious selection, personal partnerships, and fine design that honors the material.