Scotland's heritage for luxury cashmere knitwear leads the most famous luxury brands to produce part of their knitwear there. Scotland is renowned for its expertise here, so much so that there is a knitting stitch called “Scottish Rib”. It was developed by the Scottish to create a knitwear garment which would not let the rough climate to get through!
Scottish cashmere is known for its “dryer” hand which is not as soft and fluffy as Italian cashmere. The Scots call it the “one and only”, the “true” cashmere, as they have incredibly soft water to wash it once it is spun, dyed and in the knitting finish process. The dry hand comes from the natural protection film of the fibre which the Scottish aim to maintain during their production phases. Scottish cashmere almost matures like good red wine, with every wash it becomes slowly softer over the many years you wear it.
Our manufacturing partner is located in the very heart of the traditional Scottish cashmere production area, at the Scottish Borders in Hawick, home to all the big and fine – as well as small and fine – cashmere knitwear craftsmen. Our partner is known in the industry to produce for the French Haute Couture houses as well for a small but fine selection of labels, of which London W11 is one.
HOW I FOUND OUR PARTNER?
London W11 is made where the best craftsmen with artisanal skills for manufacturing the best cashmere garments are located. That is Scotland and Italy. Both are very different in their approach to manufacturing the garment. The finished product has its own distinction and is unique. Prior to founding London W11 I worked with luxury brands who were all manufactured by the best craftsmen there are. It is these long standing relationships I built over my career, and how I found our partners in Scotland.
THE YARN?
The manufacturing is essential to create a unique luxury garment. It all falls apart if the material is not equally luxurious to the design concept. For our Scottish knitwear we buy our yarn from Todd & Duncan, the very best there is in Scotland. All French Haute Couture and their Pret-A-Porter lines make their cashmere knitwear out of this yarn.
Todd & Duncan is close to their sources in Mongolia to guarantee an ethically correct keeping of the goat herds and selecting the finest and best fibre for their mill. The fibre is then shipped to Scotland, where they spin and dye it.
WHO IS OUR PARTNER?
Founded in 1903, he is a historic manufacturer of luxury cashmere garments in the Scottish Borders with a high expertise of traditional artisanal craftsmanship. He collaborates only with the most prestigious luxury goods brands, including LondonW11.
