From Mongolia, with care
In Mongolia, the land stretches wide and the air carries a clear brightness. Herds of cashmere goats move slowly across the steppe, a landscape that has borne witness to the region’s herding traditions for generations. Our cashmere is carefully gathered here, gently combed once a year from the belly and the chin of the goats, where the fibers stay protected from the weather. The softness is unmistakable.
“This is the second season of our exclusive cashmere collection,” says 180 the Store founder Denise Williamson. “We only use the fur from the belly and the chin of the cashmere goats, because it’s not exposed to the elements and it’s longer stapled.” The fiber holds a natural warmth against the skin and the fine quality makes it resistant to pilling.
The collection was created with designer and Denise’s long-time friend and knitwear expert Susie Cho of Inhabit. Denise says, “We started this project two years ago. We didn’t see great quality cashmere sweaters out there with good styling. That’s why we decided to do this.” Every piece is exclusive to 180 the Store and made only for our community. The fit of each piece has been carefully considered to bring a sense of ease and effortlessness. “Everything we have in the collection is unisex and one size—they suit everyone. I love when one partner steals the other partner’s sweater or scarf. That was the thought behind it.”
This season brings new shapes: a slightly shorter roll neck for women who want a closer line; a cable knit developed with precise attention to scale and proportion; and a 6-ply double-faced crew neck and turtleneck that feel substantial without being too weighty. “We’re very classic. We wanted timeless shapes,” Denise explains. Colors follow the season with dark brown and forest green alongside black and gray. Scarves join the range for the first time, felted and falling softly around the shoulders with an exceptionally luxurious feeling of warmth. “These are really great gifts,” Denise adds.
We work with a small factory in Mongolia chosen for the skill of its makers and their connection to the landscape around them. “We wanted a small supplier,” says Denise. “It uses such beautiful fiber and is so flexible to work with us on precisely what we are looking for.” The work is careful. Sorting, knitting, finishing. Each stage is shaped by people who have lived with this material for a long time.
The cashmere is gathered with care at every stage, honoring the land and the people who live from it. Our supplier works closely with herding families to protect the grasslands that sustain both the animals and the communities who raise them. They manage the number of goats on each acre to prevent overgrazing, and keep the soil healthy, supporting a landscape that has provided for generations. The goats are gently combed only when they naturally shed their undercoat in spring. This thoughtful approach continues in the dye houses, where low-impact dyes are used, and up to 70% of the water is recycled through a closed-loop system.
The sweaters settle easily into daily life. “They’re a staple. You can wear them with everything,” says Denise. The heavier six ply can take the place of a jacket on a mild day. Lighter pieces sit comfortably beneath a coat. Scarves wrap closely for warmth. Each design is simple and elegant, made to be lived in and shared.
We are pleased to bring this new season of cashmere to our community in Tribeca and Amagansett. Each piece is crafted in Mongolia with care and intention, available only at 180 the Store, in store and online.