About
History
In 1989, TSE the cashmere label, was founded by Augustine Tse, supporting an idea that this luxury yarn, up to that point, had been greatly under-utilized. This beautiful raw material had been used very one-dimensionally, was very classic and expensive, and was perceived to be reserved only for the elite. The objective of the company was to incorporate this incredible material into all aspects of one's life and make it more accessible to a broader audience. It was this modern adaptation of the traditional commodity that forever changed the luxury cashmere business.
Today, TSE is both a wholesaler and a retailer with businesses that are comprised of a woven designer collection strongly supported with luxury knitwear of impeccable quality. The company stays true to its original philosophy, which is to continue to be a laboratory for ideas and innovations.
TSE's parent company's background lies in knitwear manufacturing. In collaboration with the provincial government of Xiang Jiang in China, TSE has complete control from securing the purest raw materials to yarn spinning operations to the production of all finished goods. From the onset, TSE has been committed to the responsibility of consistently delivering quality items.
TSE has invested heavily in the development of the latest and best manufacturing technology available. It is this relationship between design and production that has enabled TSE to realize the most fashion innovative collections for its customers.
Q&A
HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE TSE?
TSE is pronounced like "say."WHAT DOES IT STAND FOR?
TSE is the family name of Augustine Tse, who founded the company.WHERE DOES CASHMERE COME FROM?
Cashmere is a natural fiber from cashmere goats. Cashmere takes its name from Kasmir, a mountainous region of India bordering on China and Pakistan. Seasonally, the finest cashmere is combed from the goats of Mongolia's rocky high desert in northwest China. These goats produce the world's softest and most desirable fibers. Don't worry, the combing process is very animal friendly.DOES TSE ONLY SELL CASHMERE?
TSE made its name in cashmere, but also offers a wide variety of luxurious knits and wovens in fine wools, silks, cottons and other innovative blends.WHY DOES CASHMERE PILL?
Any knit pills with wear, including cotton, wool and cashmere. Pilling happens when shorter fibers separate from the longer fibers in the yarn, therefore pilling is unavoidable. However, the finest cashmere consists of only the longest fibers, so TSE's will pill considerably less than other cashmeres.WHAT MAKES TSE'S CASHMERE SUPERIOR IN QUALITY?
The finest fibers come from northwest China. Traditionally, a large portion of these fibers were shipped to Scotland and Italy because of their fine spinning and knitting. In recent years, however, Chinese factories have installed the most advanced spinning and knitting technologies allowing them to create superior cashmere. TSE, being a vertically organized company, has its own spinning and knitting mills, its own design and production facilities. TSE's access to the highest grade of cashmere fibers ensures the highest quality in every aspect of production.Cashmere Care
ABOUT CASHMERE & CASHMERE MAINTENANCE
Cashmere is best cleaned by gentle hand wash. Because it is a natural fiber, after becoming wet, it regains its shape as it dries.There are distinct advantages to hand washing cashmere. Loose fibers, which have worked their way to the surface of the garment, get washed away which helps to prevent pilling. Repeated gentle washing helps retain the natural softness of cashmere. Dry cleaning does not dispose of the loose fibers. Repeated dry cleaning, with its harsh chemicals, can strip the natural oils from the cashmere fibers and in time reduce the hand soft feel. An accumulation of dry cleaning chemicals will also dull the color.
Of course, for every rule there is an exception. Heavier garments such as coats and hand knits might be too difficult to manage by hand wash and too bulky to lay out flat to dry, so dry cleaning becomes an acceptable alternative.
CLEANING CASHMERE
Wash the cashmere item in lukewarm water (maximum 30 degrees) with a very gentle detergent. Do not use fabric softeners or a product that contains bleach. Do not use a washing machine because it is difficult to control the water temperature. Also, the spin cycles are very harsh and they distort the fibers too much, causing the garment to look "fluffy." Rinse several times, then gently roll up in a towel to remove the excess water. Do not rub or wring the garment.Lay the garment flat on a towel or drying rack away from the heat (such as a radiator). Do not dry the garment in the sun as this can cause discoloration, especially in lighter colors. If any pilling remains after washing, it can be removed with a de-pilling comb. Gently brush the item over the pilled area. A light pressing with a steam iron set on the lowest setting, or using a pressing cloth as the final step should remove any creases that may have formed during the drying process leaving your garment in the perfect condition for wear or storage.
STORAGE
Cashmere items should be neatly folded during storage. They should not be hung on hangers for long periods of time. And remember, moths love cashmere. Garments should only be put away clean as perspiration attracts moths. TSE also recommends using lavender sachets or cedarwood blocks in your storage area, as they are natural moth deterrents.TSE offers an exclusive line of cashmere shampoo to clean and protect luxurious knits. It is available at all US TSE boutiques.
Contact
FOR PRESS INQUIRIES: press@tsecashmere.com
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION: info@tsecashmere.com