FALL 2008

 

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Pg 29 - Expert TIPS Organic Fashion

A note to all of you organic fashionistas out there: Have you heard of yak fiber? We just learned the scoop about this incredibly soft stuff that's sourced from Tibetan herdsman. The founders of Stewart+Brown, known for their simple, sophisticated line of organic clothing, is using this luxurious new sustainable fiber, so we asked co-founder Karen Stewart to share her fashion and care expertise.

Organic Spa: What exactly is yak?

Karen Stewart: Yak is a soft and fine, beautiful and warm luxury fiber, similar to cashmere in its physical properties. Unlike wool, the scales of the yak down fiber are smooth so it doesn't cause itching. The fiber is combed from the downy undercoat of the yak, a large, long-haired bovine indigenous to the Himalayan mountains.

OS: Where does it come from?

KS: Our yak down has its unique origin in the mountains of Western China. The fiber is sourced directly from Tibetan herdsman. Herds of yak are raised and used for everything; fiber, milk, meat, as pack animals-even the dung is used for fuel. The company who provides our yak fiber has set up fiber cooperatives to help the herdsman and their families, in this poverty-stricken area earn a sustainable income while living their traditional lifestyle.

OS: How do you care for it?

KS: To best take care of the fiber, yak down garments should be cared for like cashmere by hand washing with a gentle hair shampoo and conditioner and laid flat to dry. Complete instructions on fiber care are on our website.

OS: What's so special about it?

KS: Besides the luxurious physical properties of the yak fiber, and the fact that it is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable resource, the fiber is not only environmentally conscious, but socially conscious as well. The purchase of the fiber supports Tibetan farmers in their traditional way of life, helping them to connect to international markets and earn fair value for this wonderful fiber. A portion of profits are returned from the fiber-sourcing company to the herding communities for development in health and education.