Without getting fleeced, figuratively, check out some of the fine and exclusive fabrics for a dash of sartorial elegance
Vicuña Wool
From Vicuña sheep comes the Vicuña wool, which is classified as the most expensive wool in the world. The exorbitant cost ($1,800 to $3,000 per yard) is attributed to the rarity in sourcing the wool. The Vicuña sheep produce a fleece so fine that in the days when Incas worshipped Vicuña, it was equated with gold. Those days only the Inca royalty was permitted to wear it. The wool, which is said to be finer than cashmere, led to large scale hunting, before restrictions were put in place to ensure that the shearing process is regulated – the Vicuña sheep can be shorn only once in three years!
Mulberry Silk
Said to be the strongest natural fibre in the world, mulberry silk is stronger than a steel fibre of similar diameter. It is the highest quality of silk, produced by silkworms (of Bombyx mori moth) that are fed mulberry leaves in captivity. Their cocoons are later used to make the silk fabric. This process of procuring mulberry silk was developed by Indians several thousand years ago, leading to it earning the credentials of finest silk in the world.
Cervelt Fibre
The Cervelt yarn, produced using traditional methods, comes from the hair of the New Zealand red deer. This red deer was first brought to New Zealand by the Earl of Dalhousie in the 1870’s. It is the temperature of New Zealand during winters that helps the deer create a thin, soft coat as a protection from cold and humidity. With only 20 grams of fibre being collected from a deer every year, it has, naturally, earned the distinction of being the world’s most exclusive fabric. This exclusivity can be discerned from the fact that a pair of Cervelt socks can cost $1,500!
Lotus Flower Silk
Native to Burma is the lotus flower silk (kyar chi), whose discovery dates back in time. The story narrates how a girl noticed fibre strands along the stem of the lotus flower she had plucked to offer at the temple and how she decided to use it to weave a robe for the temple monk. This fibre caught the attention of other weavers and soon such weaving became a norm. It is, however, extremely rare and soft, not forgetting tedious to create (two-meter piece takes approximately three months to weave), which makes it one of the most expensive fabrics in the world. What adds to its aura is the belief that wearing items made from lotus can aid in absorbing bad elements from the body, while spreading good luck.
Baby Cashmere
From Mongolia and northern China comes the Baby Cashmere, which is woven from the under-fleece of the Hircus goat kids found in these two regions. As per the established process, this fibre is gathered through a delicate but harmless combing method. However, this can happen only once in the life of the goat; the collected fibre totals to 80 grams from one kid, of which only about 30 to 40 grams is usable. This amazingly fine fibre measures 13µm (microns) versus 14.5µm of traditional fine cashmere.
Linen
Linen was definitely made for summers. The light fabric, which has a fine and easy look, has a rich history that is replete with stories of decadence as well as comfort. Invented in ancient Egypt, it is believed to be one of the oldest textiles in the world. According to records, flax seeds were used by ancient Egyptians, as early as 4,000 years ago, to create linen. While the flax seed, which is minimally cultivated in Europe, is responsible for linen being expensive, it is its rigidity, strength and antibacterial features that make it popular, in addition to its all season portfolio.
Japanese Denim
As the name suggests, this fabric from Japan has become famous as the best denim in the world for its premium construction and artisanal craftsmanship. Although relatively new, the Japanese Denim owes its popularity to the fact that it is woven on an old loom to produce selvage fabric and for using natural dye.
So go get your sartorial elegance on.
