Today we have a great opportunity to have an interview with the Director of luxury business Cashmere and Rare Fibres by Gillian Weir, which makes amazing handcrafted cashmere throws and blankets, Mrs. Weir herself.

Mrs. Weir, many thanks for finding a gap in your precious time for the interview.

First, we would like to know about the history of your brand. What was the main reason for creating such company?

The brand was created to meet the needs of Interior Designers working on prestigious projects requiring luxurious blankets and throws. It was our weaver’s ability to answer their brief with the offering of a huge colour palette, the ability to make the piece to the size required. 100’s of weave designs to choose from. A choice of finishes which can be smart cashmere woven borders, luxurious silk or fabulous tassel finish. All this coupled with the fact that you can purchase single pieces made the product a fabulous option particularly for project work.

Who supports you in the further development of the brand and whose opinion are of the most value?

Essentially we listen to our client’s needs. We follow key & seasonal trends. Our design team and our on the road agent are always full of fabulous new ideas.

How would you describe "Cashmere and Rare Fibres by Gillian Weir" in three words?

Weicher Luxus: ultimativer Genuss. Luxuriös: grenzenloses Design und Farbe.

How long does it take you to create a new product, from the very beginning until the production stage?

From 3-8 weeks if not in stock

Where is production of your items? Could you tell us about your production place?

Our weavers are situated in Nepal in the foothills of the Himalayas. Our weavers are third generation artisan weavers. The yarn is hand dyed using the finest industry standard dyes. The throws and blankets are woven and created using centuries old methods on antique wooden looms. Each piece is lovingly woven and finished by hand. The only electricity used is for the sewing of the cashmere or silk borders and the ironing of the finished pieces.

Is it your own design for collections you have, or do you work in cooperation with external designers?

We have our own in-house design team who put together our collections. We are also inspired by our wonderful interior designers who create the most amazing colour combinations and finishing ideas, available from our huge colour palette and weave selection.

If we were to say to a bunch of people, who know you well, “Give me three adjectives that best describe Gillian Weir”, what would we hear?

Quality. Service. Luxury.

Could you tell us about the time when you almost gave up, how you felt about that, and what you did instead of giving up?

I’ve never thought of giving up. I love the business and the product.

What are your personal favorites in your collections and why?

Soft and Luxurious Honeycomb weave in 2 pastel shades with a beautiful tassel finish.  Or Cortland Herringbone in two similar colours with an 8cm Cashmere border. Smart and Fabulous!

What are the your other hobbies and interests that inspire you? Maybe you are a collector of porcelain figures or anything else? 

My passion is sailing. I love to be out on the water enjoying the fresh clean air, the peace and tranquility the open ocean brings. Inspiration comes from the fabulous array of colours observed from the sea, the sky, sunsets and sunrises..

You work in the world of luxury. What is luxury for yourself? How would you define it?

Luxury for me is spending time with my family, being in the great outdoors. A cosy cottage in the countryside or on a lovely sailing yacht. Material luxury would include. Finest China tableware, Egyptian cotton bedlinen and of course cashmere blankets & throws.

Mrs. Weir, what would you like to suggest and to wish the clients of luxury sector and to the clients of BREGNER Luxury & Lifestyle in particular?

I believe that the quote by William Morris is appropriate here: ”Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful”

Mrs. Weir, many thanks for the interview, we do appreciate it. We wish you and your company every success in the future and all the best in your new adventures and discoveries!