The Influence of Cashmere in Fashion History: From Royal Luxury to Modern Designer Brands
For centuries, cashmere has symbolized elegance, softness, and refined taste. From ancient royalty wrapped in rare shawls to contemporary luxury houses redefining modern style, cashmere has maintained its place as one of the most sought-after materials in fashion history. Its journey reflects changes in craftsmanship, culture, global trade, and design philosophy.
Origins of Cashmere: A Luxury Reserved for Royalty
Cashmere traces its roots back thousands of years to the Himalayan regions of Mongolia, Kashmir, and Inner Asia. In the early days, the fiber was so rare that it was considered the “fiber of kings.”
Ancient Persian rulers treasured cashmere shawls as symbols of power.
Mughal emperors collected fine Pashmina as diplomatic gifts.
European aristocrats in the 18th century imported cashmere shawls as status symbols.
Because the fiber had to be hand-combed from mountain goats and processed entirely by artisans, cashmere quickly became synonymous with exclusivity. To better understand why cashmere stands out among luxury fabrics, you can read our detailed guide on why cashmere feels so special.
Cashmere’s Rise in Western Fashion
By the 19th century, cashmere entered the European fashion world. France and Scotland became major centers for spinning and weaving, helping cashmere evolve from exotic import to refined garment.
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Scottish mills introduced innovations that improved consistency and softness.
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French designers began incorporating cashmere into women’s dresses, capes, and shawls.
As industrial techniques improved, cashmere slowly expanded from royal attire to high-end consumer fashion—yet it remained firmly in the luxury category.
Cashmere and the Birth of Modern Luxury Fashion
In the 20th century, cashmere experienced a new renaissance. It became a staple in the wardrobes of Hollywood stars, European socialites, and fashion icons.
Cashmere sweaters, cardigans, coats, and scarves became symbols of understated refinement—a quiet luxury that speaks without needing logos.
The reasons were clear:
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unrivaled softness
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warmth without weight
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timeless silhouettes
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versatility across seasons
Cashmere first appeared in early designer collections, laying the foundation for the luxury brands we associate with it today. For parents, cashmere is also one of the safest fabrics for toddlers thanks to its natural softness. Learn more in our toddler cashmere guide.
How Modern Luxury Brands Redefined Cashmere
Loro Piana：The Global Standard of Cashmere Excellence
Often called “the king of cashmere,” Loro Piana set the benchmark for quality.
Their focus on fiber purity, Italian craftsmanship, and rare materials elevated cashmere to new heights.
They introduced:
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Baby Cashmere
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Vicuña blends
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Luxury lightweight knits
These innovations shaped the global definition of premium cashmere.
Brunello Cucinelli：The Modern Philosophy of Casual Luxury
Cucinelli reimagined cashmere for modern life.
Instead of formal wear, he popularized:
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soft neutral palettes
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relaxed silhouettes
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“quiet luxury” lifestyle branding
His approach transformed cashmere into a symbol of refined minimalism—seen on celebrities, CEOs, and global tastemakers.
Hermès：Timeless Craftsmanship and Textile Art
Hermès brought cashmere into high fashion through exquisite shawls, scarves, and woven art.
Their iconic cashmere-silk blends became a modern heirloom, valued for:
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impeccable weaving
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artistic prints
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hand-rolled edges
Hermès helped cement cashmere’s role in luxury accessories.
Chanel & Max Mara：Elegant Everyday Cashmere
Chanel’s knitwear introduced a feminine, Parisian interpretation of cashmere.
Max Mara, on the other hand, made the cashmere coat a global staple—especially the 101801 and Teddy Coat.
Both brands proved that cashmere could be both practical and luxurious.
Cashmere in Today’s Fashion: Quiet Luxury & Sustainable Trends
In recent years, cashmere has become central to two major fashion movements:
① Quiet Luxury
Consumers increasingly prefer timeless, logo-free pieces.
Cashmere perfectly fits this trend with its understated elegance.
② Sustainable Luxury
Many brands now highlight:
eco-friendly herding
long-term fiber sourcing
traceable supply chains
This shift helps maintain the cultural and fashion relevance of cashmere in a changing world. If you’d like to explore how premium cashmere is produced, here’s a full breakdown of the process from mountain goats to finished garments.
Conclusion：A Material That Never Loses Its Magic
From ancient courts to modern runways, cashmere has remained a symbol of comfort, craftsmanship, and prestige. Its softness, rarity, and deep cultural history make it one of fashion’s most influential materials. And as designers continue to innovate, cashmere’s story is far from over.
