Silk and Cashmere began its journey in 1992 when Aysen Zamanpur and her team set out to the Inner Mongolia, the very nest of the highest quality cashmere, to discover and explore this enchanting fiber.
An unmatched project with an inspired and motivated team, our story is one of passion and unyielding determination.
The discovery of silk from the silkworm species Bombyx Mori occurred around 2700 B.C. According to Chinese historians, the 14-year-old bride of the Emperor Huang Ti discovered the loose end of a silk fiber from a silkworm cocoon.
Can we know more about Ayşen Zamanpur, who became a pioneer in branding, innovation, and entrepreneurship, by combining cashmere and silk and the “Silk &Cashmere” in specific?
Silk and Cashmere began its journey in 1992 when Aysen Zamanpur and her team set out to the Inner Mongolia, the very nest of the highest quality cashmere, to discover and explore this enchanting fiber. An unmatched project with an inspired and motivated team, our story is one of passion and unyielding determination. Creating an extensive and universal collection, Silk and Cashmere has been providing high – quality products to cashmere and silk lovers in domestic and international markets for over 26 years.
Thanks to technology, many different yarns and fabrics are produced nowadays, however, you managed to create a world brand with silk and cashmere that we can call traditional. What makes silk and Cashmere so special?
Our belief in the intrinsic beauty of both cashmere and silk is one we are passionate to share, so we always offer extraordinary quality at an unparalleled value.
Both fibers’ enchantment not only comes from their deeply rooted history but also their unmatched softness. Structurally, cashmere and silk offer breathability, moisture and temperature control for the skin.
One of the most prized natural resources in the world, beautifully soft and extraordinarily fine, the feel of cashmere against the skin has cast a spell throughout history. From Ancient China to the Roman Empire, the France of Napoleon to Victorian England – all have treasured its natural beauty.
To create the world’s softest material requires the harshest conditions – the fierce chills and high altitude of Inner Mongolia prompts the native goat to develop an extra fine layer under its coat.
Every spring, using ancient techniques, the wool is combed out, carefully and by hand, to produce our cashmere. This time-consuming and delicate process and the small quantity yielded from each goat means the annual crop is naturally limited, which only adds to its precious character.
In fact, it would take one goat over five years to produce a single jumper.
The discovery of silk from the silkworm species Bombyx Mori occurred around 2700 B.C. According to Chinese historians, the 14-year-old bride of the Emperor Huang Ti discovered the loose end of a silk fiber from a silkworm cocoon. The term “Silk” is derived from her name. In 139 BC, the world’s longest trade route, “The Silk Road”, was opened, stretching from Eastern China to the Mediterranean Sea and it was named after its most valuable commodity.
It is through this route that Silk manufacturing eventually reached Europe and America.
Silk contains 18 amino acids that complement and moisturize the skin. It is anti-allergenic and does not cause perspiration.
Some claim that silk keeps skin healthy and young. Looked up to for centuries, the silky smooth skin of Chinese women doesn’t seem to claim otherwise.
What would you say about the future of cashmere and silk in terms of sustainability? How do you prepare your cashmere collections? Do cashmere and silk compel you as raw material, or is it an advantage for you?
Our dedication to the finest quality knows no bounds, meaning we travel to one of the world’s remotest places for the very purest, richest cashmere. Since our beginning, we have sought to collaborate with the world’s leading manufacturers in Inner Mongolia, source of the very finest cashmere.
For spring/summer we’re layering beautifully lightweight summer cashmere over the purest silk in a palette that spans this season’s shades – from sorbet pastels to deeper hues, classic camels and khakis.
The texture is a big story this season with lace inserts, ethereal prints, and delicate embellishment. While our perennial favorite pure silk shirts, silk jersey tees, and classic jumpers and cardigans come in plains, stripes, and prints.
For men, subtle detailing such as soft color-blocking, contrasting trims, and classic stripes look understated yet contemporary, while silk jersey polos whisper luxury.
How many countries in the world do Silk & Cashmere exist? Can you give us information about your stores and your products?
From stores to corners, online channels to pop-ups Silk and Cashmere has 150 sales points worldwide. Our flagship stores are in Istanbul, London, and Zurich.
Can you tell us about your goals for the coming period? Do you have any idea about developing a new product?
Our success is founded in the pioneering spirit that pushes us to continually improve our quality and develop new products.
It is this essence that helped us achieve everything from the feather-light gossamer fibers in our summer yarn to our specially blended thermal wear to machine-washable cashmere.
Besides product development, our fastest growing aspect is e-commerce. www. silkandcashmere.com has become our fastest growing store in our portfolio, showing 170% growth in just the past year.
In October of 2018,we launched the Silk and Cashmere App which now has over 50% share of our online sales. Our newly launched www.silkandcashmere.co.uk has shown a promising start and will make Silk and Cashmere shoppable from anywhere in the world.