Accessories

Q & A with Julia Dee

Julia Dee is author of Total Wardrobe Care

How should you wash cashmere?
Cashmere should be washed by hand, in hand-hot water with a cold rinse. Do not spin or tumble dry. To remove excess water, gently squeeze in a towel. Then preferably dry on a flat knitwear clotheshorse. I hang my lighter weight cashmere clothes inside out on a rubber coat hanger. Then I give them a light steam to reshape.
 
How can you stop cashmere from bobbling?
You can’t stop cashmere from bobbling as it’s the result of fine loose fibres rubbing together. But you can buy a de- bobbling machine from a haberdashery shop and gently shave off the bobbles from time to time
 
Why is cashmere so luxurious?
It comes from the chest and under-leg area of mountain goats in Asia. They are not harmed but have to be shaved very carefully. The goats are farmed with much attention throughout.
 
How should cashmere be stored?
Hand wash then wrap in acid- free tissue and pack in an old pillowcase or cotton bag. Keep lots of lavender, cedarwood or our anti-moth products close by. Do not sling dirty cashmere into an old box in a cupboard or attic and expect it not to be eaten and stains not to get worse!
 
What is your personal favourite cashmere item?
My favourite cashmere piece is an old black 1950s crew neck jumper that looks like an Audrey Hepburn number which my mother bought originally. It’s so soft and the elbows are threadbare and patched but I still love it.

Pria 100 per cent Cashmere Shawl £79
William Sharp 100 per cent Cashmere Slippers £75
Lyle & Scott 100 per cent Cashmere Wrap £199
Lyle & Scott Black Tartan 100% Cashmere Scarf £65
Lyle & Scott Green Tartan 100 per cent Cashmere Scarf £65
Morgan & Oates Fine Stripe Hand-painted Cashmere and Merino Wrap £35
Pria 100% Cashmere Shawl - Black £79

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