The movement of the discerning fashion consumer is continuing to sweep across the country and onto the glossy pages of the magazines, this time hitting Stella of The Sunday Telegraph.

In our December blog post The Scottish Cashmere Club we featured a write-up from The Times’ Luxx magazine, on investing in premium cashmere and ditching the short-lived cheap stuff. Now it’s Stella’s turn, where fashion editor Lisa Armstrong tells readers to “Put your cash into cashmere.”

The jumper is definitely king this season, a feeling shared by Armstrong, who explains her devotion to the cashmere jumper in particular. In this article she also goes on to identify one of the key colours for fresh spring styling…gracious grey!

“Like prime London property, the cashmere grey jumper appears to be enjoying a bull market. I reckon it’s an even safer investment.”

- Lisa Armstrong

The grey jumper has been striding up and down the fashion catwalks, and hanging off the backs of celebrities and models everywhere! With both the jersey sweater and the cashmere knit, Spring summer ’13 exposes it as the best jumper to have in demonstrating a casually clean look.

There probably are around fifty shades of grey- pardon the pun, and we’ve probably created most of them ourselves; yet this years’ spring shade is zinc. Through our unique blending methods, we’ve developed an off-white tone with flecks of dove grey, silver and platinum; creating a wonderfully whimsical palette of zinc, seen here with our new cashmere gauzy jumper.

The flint cashmere moss stitch jumper was immensely popular last autumn winter; hence it being almost sold out in every size! Armstrong discusses her avid fondness of a strong, but simple cashmere jumper, referencing our casual comforter as a much loved marvel. The feature even illustrates a wonderfully quirky caricature of her wearing the piece, highlighting all its fabulous detailing.

Find your ideal bit of grey cashmere, whether that be a cardigan or jumper, and search our colour finder for all the delights of flint. Alternatively, you could roll into spring with the new King zinc, and champion a few styles that we have from the preview collection.

The many faces of grey, from light to dark, means you can rotate between the shades to reflect not only the seasons, but the tone of your outfit; light is luxurious and leisurely, dark is elegant evening wear.

MEMBERS ONLY CASHMERE!

What was once a shallow whisper, is now a profound hum, deafening the drones of ‘fast cashmere’ churned out by the East.  People are finally starting to realise that if you pay cheap…you get cheap! Recent articles from such papers as The Guardian, The Daily Mail and The Times have helped shed light and wisdom on the fallacy created by cut-down cashmere; that low-cost is better value for your money. Whether you’re filthy rich or simply getting by, we ALL love a bargain! But the real question is at what price? Cheap cashmere is often recognised as an economical response to maintaining a bit of luxury in this climate, yet cheap also denotes the poor quality, low attention to detail and overall inferiority of the garment. A cashmere jumper for £50 is a resounding reflection of how much the item is worth in general.

Our cashmere yarns are ethically sourced  from dedicated Mongolian farmers, and brought to Scotland where the coarse ‘guard hairs’ are removed, ensuring that only the softest and most downy remain. On average it takes three goats to make one standard sized ladies cashmere jumper, the price of the yarn per kilo gram is over £100. This doesn’t include the cost of the superior craftsmanship employed by cashmere specialists at the Johnstons Mill, nor the method by which we obtain our unique blends. All vital measures in bringing you cashmere that is innovative, sumptuously cosy and more importantly, made with a long life-span.

“Be warned…once you’ve felt the real deal, it’s hard to stop yourself investing in a whole new wardrobe.”

-David Sanderson, Hawick Cashmere MD, Luxx

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MEMBER OF THE CLUB

“I will close my business the day I am not making my cashmere in Scotland.”

-Victoria Stapleton, The Observer, 2010

“The Scottish Cashmere Club”, a title used by The Times’ Luxx magazine, is fast becoming common terminology. It refers to the fashion brands synonymous with top quality cashmere that’s exclusively made in Scotland. This of course includes Brora, but also the likes of Christopher Kane, Chanel, Hermes and Burberry. Luxx’s most recent article by Lisa Grainger, is conscious and thought-provoking, allowing consumers direct access to the invaluable opinion of David Sanderson, MD of  Hawick Cashmere. He speaks of the efforts they provide in sustaining the quality of cashmere that comes with British manufacturing, and the corrosive dyes, coarser hairs and chemical-ridden waters involved in mass-produced Chinese cashmere; which most of the high street chains use. Savvy shoppers are becoming more knowledgeable, not only about what and where they eat, but also who deserves their money when it comes to fashion and beauty.

Being a part of The Scottish Cashmere Club is more than a focus on luxury, but a celebration of Scottish textiles and encouraging the survival of British manufacturing. It should literally reflect your dedication to preserving our British heritage, simply by wearing your cashmere like a badge of honour on your person.

KNOW YOUR CASHMERE!

Any long-standing customers of Brora will recognise the superiority of our cashmere and what the distinctive features are, but to those of you who are more accustom to what the high street stores sell, knowing your cashmere is imperative. For example, when you’re inspecting fruit and veg to buy at your local grocery, you know exactly what to look for when it comes to selecting the best ones for your family (or at least you should). Cashmere is no different! When you understand the true worth of the thing you’re buying it becomes inconceivable to choose anything less.

These six components are key in delivering our quality cashmere, and thus, the reason why people continue to buy Brora! When purchasing any cashmere piece the colour, texture, pattern, detail, quality and manufacturing will establish the overall value of the garment. In turn, each will further determine its longevity, along with how well you care for your cashmere. We specialise in delivering uncompromising luxury that is 100% cashmere. Not everyone can make such a boast; one we intend to uphold!

“In my next life I hope to return as a Brora cashmere sock…I can tell you that to lead that life is to be treasured, coddled and adored.”

-Shannon Denny, Covent Garden Journal

So next time you think of reverting to high street cashmere, think about how much you are truly ‘saving’ and remember that when you buy Brora, you’re buying into the Scottish cashmere family, dedicated to luxury that starts at home!

The fashion press turned up in droves to witness the launch of the Michael van der Ham collection for Brora. The champagne was flowing throughout the night, palate cleansing amuse bouche was served, fabulously fruity cocktails were devoured and the changing rooms acted as revolving door for trying on the knitwear; all stimulating the rambunctious chatter of the fashion enthusiasts.

A definitively bold and celebrated union, Victoria Stapleton and Michael van der Ham.

Some of the head office girls having a good old giggle…wonder what was so hysterically funny. Perhaps a bit too much champagne :)

Formidable Fashion Impresarios: Meet the style icons of the evening…

Outlandish Footwear: where can we get a pair of those?!

Emma Elwick-Bates: “You look fabulous in your outfit.”  Victoria: “No, you do!”

Even with her mouth open, inflential fashion blogger Ella Catliff still looks adorable! Also, loving the jumper ;)

Amusing amuse bouche: teeny tiny pea and mint soups! Looked yucky, but tasted soooo yummy!

Victoria’s sense of colourful fashion clearly runs in the family! Husband Johnnie and youngest daughter Lola have serious panache.

Touch it, feel it, HAVE IT!

Exceptional styling Philippa! The owner of DeVetta PR gets two thumbs up for matching the MVDH cashmere intarsia hat with our delightful Birdie print stole.

Victoria enjoying a glass of champagne with Stephanie Hirschmiller, deputy editor of fashion and lifestyle magazine aMuse. The former Harper’s Bazaar editor later bought the MVDH mohair jumper and ecstatically tweeted us that she had to wear it the next day!

Fashion-Forward Friends: Louise Gray and Michael van der Ham.

Mariella Tandy, executive retail editor for Tatler UK

Trendy Talks: Victoria with our lookbook SS13 stylist, Jayne Pickering.

The launch was a massive success, and already the Michael van der Ham pieces are going down a treat with customers, so thank you to all who attended and those in support!

Always ahead of the fashion pack, Vogue magazine’s August issue is an introduction to autumn style. As the rain continues and Brora is shortly moving on to the autumn/winter collection, it is no surprise that we found ourselves on Vogue‘s radar.

A classic favourite year after year, we keep the shape and style the same, but update the rich colours that it comes in and we’re ‘Berry’ excited about this one!

Cashmere Cropped Cardigan £189

Now, I know what you’re thinking, the knitwear in the Vogue pictures look more like a jumper than our celebrated cashmere cropped cardigan and you would be right. Vogue have actually turned our cardi back to front for this very reason to create an overall look that’s typical of couture styling.

In our press look books we also use some alternative styling, putting our collection together in a way not necessarily suitable for everyday wear, but showing the clothes in an inventive, slightly eccentric and versatile way.

However the cashmere cropped cardigan is worn; back to front or draped and tied around your neck, it’s still a winner in every way…

…although we think this way is just fine!

To see more of what we have in store for you in the coming new season take a look at our autumn preview collection; ready to order and wear now!

Good news for all Brora fans. Forget dressing like the women in the magazines…they’re dressing like YOU!

For almost two decades we’ve been styling the country lady of the manor and the savvy city-shopper with our unbeatably cosy cashmere and classical clothing. However, during the last four years our press coverage has gone from strength to strength due to the consistency of the brand and more importantly, the increased support from our devoted Brora customers.

After months of hard work and countless meetings within the design department there is a great sense of satisfaction in seeing a bit of Brora splashed across the glossy magazines and newspapers.

This summer you can dress up in some of the star Brora items chosen by fashion experts like Vogue, The Daily Mail, Marie Claire and Glamour. We’ve taken three of our most recent features and put together the perfect additions to recreate and compliment each of the press pieces.

MARIE CLAIRE- Nonchalant Nomad

Our blouse featured in Marie Claire‘s ‘Traveller Chic’ page; pieces inspired by a sassy boho look by using sheer and floaty materials, colour-blocking and busy prints. The idea behind it was to fashion a super luxurious feel that reflected a cosmopolitan holiday image.

Paisley Smock Blouse £89

The paisley smock blouse also comes in teal and is an ideal summer holiday piece that can be styled with shorts or trousers, but would also look great as a cover-up worn over your swimwear when you’re relaxing by the pool, frolicking on the beach or simply lounging on your balcony.

GLAMOUR- Perfectly Preppy

Glamour‘s use of the cashmere cap sleeve cardigan just shows how versatile our pieces are. The magazine did a six page spread on a rock ‘n’ roll 1950′s theme, showcasing the best buys for a smart, preppy take on the hip-swinging era.

                                   Cashmere Cap Sleeve Cardigan £169

Our short sleeved cardigan comes in three other colours for you to interchange with all outfits; perfect for any summertime occasion. They are particularly useful on holiday when you want to protect your shoulders, but remain cool. Not to mention in the evenings, when there is a slight chill in the air this cashmere cap sleeve cardigan is an essential companion!

VOGUE- Candy Couture

Also known as ‘ice cream pallets’, candy colours are everywhere this summer. Pastel tones in an array of mouth-watering, soft sweetie-like shades that brighten up every outfit. Vogue used our camisole to copy Phillip Lim‘s sugary spring/summer 2012 collection.

                                   Silk Embroidered Camisole £49

Our Coral version would also make a great candy look for you to try playing with. The trend is to wear multiple candy colours together, however we think you can achieve that same fresh look by matching this silk embroidered camisole in Harebell for example, with a pair of white trousers or light denim jeans.

Click here to see the full press looks and the additional pieces that go with them.