A Closer Look at Shjark's Signature Winter Textures
At Shjark, we like to think that crafting exceptional garments could be considered an art form, where every choice, from fabric selection to finishing touches, contributes to a little masterpiece to wear with pride.
Our commitment to creating clothing that seamlessly integrates into your modern lifestyle begins with the careful curation of fabrications that embody our brand ethos of timeless yet contemporary elegance.
Essentially, the more time Shjark dedicate to the construction of your wardrobe pieces, the less you need to worry about what you’re buying - giving you time back in your day to go forth and conquer (whilst looking good doing it).
Sourcing and Fabric Selection
We meticulously source and select fabrics that strike the perfect balance between texture, print, colour, and functionality, ensuring that each piece in our collection offers unparalleled comfort, style, and durability. From sumptuous cashmere to luxurious silk, each fabric is chosen for its unique properties and ability to elevate your experience as the wearer.
Unveiling Our Key Fabrications
Merino: Proudly crafted from ZQ certified New Zealand merino, our merino pieces offer superior softness, warmth, and sustainability. We're committed to supporting ethical and environmentally friendly practices in our sourcing and production processes.
Tencel: We love it for its exceptional drape and eco-friendly properties, and thus Tencel features prominently in our collections. Its breathable nature and sustainable credentials align perfectly with Shjark’s values; offering you, our customers, a stylish and responsible choice.
Cashmere: Sourced and made in Inner Mongolia, our cashmere pieces epitomise luxury and comfort. We've embarked on a journey to find the highest quality cashmere we possibly can, and the result is a collection of timeless pieces that exude sophistication and warmth. Whilst our Cashmere jumpers are the only piece within our collection that is not made in New Zealand, we are transparent in the journey it’s been to find a quality material that we stand behind and are happy to share with our customers. Sometimes delivering the best offering means venturing further afield.
Velvet: With a cult following among our wonderful Shjark customers, we believe that velvet adds a touch of opulence to our Autumn Winter collections. Its enduring quality and aesthetic appeal make it a favourite for those of you seeking to inject interest and texture into your wardrobe.
Wool: Always a hero piece of Shjark’s winter collections, our much-loved coats are crafted from premium 100% wool or wool-rich blends for unparalleled sophistication married with comfort that is also designed to withstand the elements.
Corduroy: Adding a touch of retro charm to our collection, and in ode to Shjark’s rock ‘n’ roll sensibility, corduroy offers both texture and versatility. Our corduroy pieces are crafted from soft, velvety fabric that adds both the functionality of warmth with depth and interest making for the perfect date-night or dinner look.
Silk: Renowned for its luxurious feel and smooth drape, silk adds a touch of refinement to any outfit. Our silk garments are crafted from the finest silk fabrics, offering a sumptuous feel against the skin and a lustrous sheen that exudes elegance. From flowing blouses to sleek dresses, our silk pieces are designed to elevate your wardrobe, and make you feel a little special too.
Viscose: Offering a lightweight and breathable alternative to traditional fabrics, viscose is prized for its fluidity and versatility. Our viscose garments are crafted from sustainably sourced fibres, making them a great choice for the eco-conscious. With its soft, silky feel and effortless drape, viscose is perfect for creating chic yet comfortable looks that help to transition us seamlessly from daytime duties to evening events.
Factors Considered in Fabric Design
Designing with different fabrics requires careful consideration of their unique properties and characteristics and is something Amber, our Founder and Designer, often uses as her base for building a new collection.
Starting with fabric properties, and considering end-use and functionality - for example, cashmere might be chosen for its softness and warmth in a winter jumper while silk could be selected for its luxurious feel in a blouse. Aesthetic appeal is then balanced with durability and maintenance - for example, Velvet evokes luxury while Tencel tends to convey a relaxed vibe; when using any fabric we must also consider its ability to withstand wear and tear as well as ease of care for the wearer and longevity.
We also consider a fabric's compatibility with our design techniques - how does it lend itself to draping, gathering, pleating and embellishment. If it is a colour or print, how well will the fabric retain or accept a dye.
There is also the consideration of sustainability and compatibility with our design techniques, where every aspect is taken into account to ensure that our garments meet the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. This is balanced with a fabrication’s availability in our desired quantities and colour, the cost and any budgetary constraints that affect efficient production planning.
The most important aspect is of course, prioritising our customer - comfort and wearability for you is key. Factors here include breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and flexibility. We want the garment to feel comfortable and perform at its optimum no matter how or where you wear it.
Care and Maintenance: A Commitment to Quality
At Shjark, we believe that maintaining the quality and longevity of your garments is just as important as selecting the perfect fabric. That's why we take a meticulous approach to fabric care, testing each material carefully to determine the best cleaning methods. It would be easy to simply add a "dry clean only" label, but we understand that convenience and practicality are paramount.
While some delicate fabrics like silk and cashmere require a bit of extra care, we're pro-washing most items in a wash bag on a gentle cold cycle to ensure longevity without the hassle of hand washing. We believe that maintenance isn't a sign of poor quality, but rather a commitment to preserving the delicate fibres and craftsmanship of your garments.
And here's a personal life hack from us: outsource your ironing! Not only will your clothes look and feel better, but you'll also free up valuable time for more important things in life. After all, who wouldn't want to spend that extra time doing something they love?
The Art of Fabrication
Behind every Shjark garment lies a story of meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Our commitment to excellence extends to every aspect of the production process, from fabric selection to finishing touches, resulting in garments that are as beautiful as they are functional.
Sourcing New Fabrications
Our dedication to innovation and quality drives us to continually seek out new and exciting fabrications for our collections. Whether it's the practicality of the material, its tactile appeal, or its sustainability credentials, every fabric is chosen with care and consideration for its ability to ultimately enhance your experience as the wearer.
FURTHER READING
