Castanea curates...elevated cashmere essentials
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” So said F Scott Fitzgerald. The author is referring to that wonderful sense of newness this season brings, and he’s right, isn’t he? There always seems to be so much more to explore and enjoy at this time of year. This is the feeling I wanted to inject into my autumn/winter cashmere collection – freshness and newness, but blanketed in the soothing familiarity of Castanea’s signature luxe aesthetic.
The new Leandra cashmere sweater for women epitomises this new-season approach, with its subtle points of difference. A high V-neck with doubled-over thick ribbing, as well as a rolled-knit hemline and cuffs, define the Leandra and inject it with an understated modernity that is complemented by the unexpected contrast stripe down the back. Available in Castanea’s always popular shade of Lunar, the Leandra cashmere sweater also comes in one of autumn/winter’s tranquil new colours; Sea Foam.
- This sleepy marine-inspired shade captures beautifully the atmosphere of freshness and calmness I wanted this new collection to exude, so I made several other pieces available in it, including a favourite of mine, the Samula cashmere sweater.
The names I give to my designs are very personal, reflecting the people and places that have made a special impression on me, and the Samula cashmere sweater is a nod to the wonderful Cenote Samula in Mexico, which I visited in January. This magical natural well embodies all of the serenity, beauty and warmth I wanted this particular Castanea collection to inhabit.
The Samula, which is also available in Day Dream – the faintest shade of blush – showcases contrast hand-stitched shoulder seams, a detail I also added to the new Stevie cashmere scarf. Beautifully textured in ribbed knit cashmere, the visible stitching gives this lavishly long scarf added character, showcasing how Castanea’s distinctive design details can elevate a wardrobe basic into a statement piece. Designed in Sea Foam and in a colourblock of Agate, Moss and Midnight, it will lend a sense of luxury to whatever you pair it with.
Cashmere cardigans have always been a firm favourite with the Castanea customer, so I was keen to introduce a new style to the collection this season; one that offered a fresh take on this much-loved throw-on. I began with a directional oversized silhouette and deep-V neckline, then balanced this boyish silhouette with the most delicate of details – handmade pointelle stretching up through the body of the knit from the hemline and cuffs. This chic ‘perforated’ design gives the Azul cashmere cardigan a sensuosity that makes women feel and look beautifully feminine even when they’re at their comfiest.
Like several other pieces in this collection, I created the Azul cashmere cardigan in more than one shade to give it two distinct personalities, with refined Lunar and earthy Moss offering a genteel and urban perspective respectively. Other new-season colours designed to suit your different moods include Honey, Duffel Bag, Midnight and Freeze. I hope these new shades and styles inspire as much comfort and joy in you as they do in me.
Love
Paula x
