Ancient Origins
Cashmere takes its name from the Kashmir region, which lies between India and Pakistan. However, the true origins of cashmere fibre trace back even further — to the Changthangi goats of the high-altitude plateaus of Mongolia, Tibet, and the Himalayas, where temperatures can plummet to -40°C. These goats developed an incredibly fine, soft undercoat to survive the harsh winters, and this undercoat is what we know as cashmere.
The fibre was first woven into fine shawls in the 13th century in Kashmir, where artisans developed the intricate hand-weaving techniques that remain unmatched to this day. These shawls became so prized that they were worn by royalty across Asia and Europe.
A Symbol of Royalty
By the 18th century, cashmere shawls had become the ultimate luxury accessory in European courts. Empress Joséphine of France was famously known to own over 400 cashmere shawls. The fibre was so valued that it was often given as diplomatic gifts between nations. Each shawl could take months — even years — to weave by hand, making them extraordinarily precious.
Today, cashmere remains one of the most luxurious natural fibres in the world, eight times warmer than sheep's wool and exceptionally lightweight. At Simply Cashmere, we honour this heritage by offering only the finest cashmere and handcrafted textiles to our customers in Cape Town.
