As a product of traditional goat breeders' perseverance, cashmere is a secret handed down from generation to generation.
The first documented use of this unique material dates back to the 14th century. Cashmere, originally called “fibre of kings” during the time of the Roman Empire, was exported to the West at the end of the 18th century. The legend says that a cashmere scarf was sent to Paris by the general-in-chief of the French campaign in Egypt (1799-1802), thus triggering the start of its industrialization. An immediate sensation, France begins to manufacture this luxurious fabric and becomes the world’s leading manufacturer.
The century-old relationship between human and animal
Embodying all the elements of survival, the Capra Hircus goat is an extremely resilient animal that has evolved to withstand some of the toughest conditions on earth. Raised at altitudes of at least 4,000 meters across China, Mongolia, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran, the animal adapts harmoniously to extreme seasons. The goat’s outer fleece protects it from rain, sun and dust, while a soft, insulating underfleece sits underneath. This hidden treasure, cashmere, is the result of the perseverance of breeders, who for generations have worked to produce this material in one of the most difficult landscapes on earth.
Capra Hircus goats have always been bred sustainably, with fibers harvested according to the natural cycle, and knowledge passed from generation to generation. These communities of nomadic herders live on the edge of life in the most extreme conditions. They have an intimate knowledge of the land they live on and the animals that inhabit it.
Les Ateliers AME and the quest for local know-how
In 2022, Les Ateliers AME encourages the local production of cashmere in Mongolia by supporting the efforts, production processes and skills of breeders, as part of their connection with local artisans around the world. Always on a permanent quest for ethical responsibility, AME’s objective is to encourage a modern method of selective breeding and thus optimize the quality of cashmere products.
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