"The best things in life are free.
The second best are very expensive." - Coco Chanel
It’s that time of the year when we have rain season in Portugal. And it is never the same, you cannot predict when it will start or end and the day you book your flights to sunny escape - short-sleeve season suddenly opens. Talk about suggesting best time to visit Portugal for holidays… Unless it’s mid june-mid september - you can never assure that there will be no rain.
And when it’s pouring outside you look for comfort - something warming to wrap yourself in, so you could have your daily cup of coffee in peace. And then maybe get the fireplace going, and maybe have a cup of hot chocolate instead of coffee… I went too far, but THIS recipe yesterday made me dream.
Talking about comfy wraps for the cold season: I finally had the courage to cut my precious cashmere piece that was laying in fabric closet for years. I liked the hand of it and bought few meters for “future coat”. Never happened, but this temperature drop got me inspired I guess.
Kimono.
It’s the easiest cut for a jacket, but can’t deny - it’s genius! I did not use any lining as the fabric itself was so soft, just made sure everything looks neat inside. Remember Comme des Garçons 2012 autumn-winter collection? The one where they “framed” garments with visible seams on the edges - I had to borrow this idea for my kimono. Softer version, using simple french seam. It is nothing special, nothing extraordinary, but that’s what comfort is about, isn’t it?
Choosing fabric.
Now here is an advice if you ever think to invest in any cashmere item - whether it’s a sweater, scarf, coat or even fabric for your upcoming project - you have to know that there is no cheap cashmere. The finest fabric comes from Italy or UK as the quality depends on selecting the longer fibres and making into stronger yarn and, let’s say, luxury brands like Loro Piana or Brunelli Cucinelli take their time to do it. First thing to check before you purchase anything in Cashmere is the quality of yarn - it has to be tightly spun and if you stretch any part of knitted area - it should go back to it’s original shape. Cheap cashmere may have this fluffiness that would suggest that yarn is spun from shorter, weaker fibres and this would lead to pilling. I have one of those cheap scarves and it’s black and if worn over something of a different colour - it would leave traces all over. To sum up - I advice you to look for good quality or get different kind of wool instead, otherwise you’re likely to ruin your day.
Sincerely,
Ieva.
WEARING: Cashmere kimono jacket by ieva.studio, Cuff and skirt by bimbaylola.
PHOTOGRAPHY by Ieva Gedvygaite