The epitome of luxury, produced in South Africa. Please click 'change the site'in the menu at the top left and then select your country. by Utopia Team August 10, 2020 Add your favourite items to your wishlist and they will all be saved in one place for you to easily shop later. Avocado Benefits: How Healthy is this Trending Superfood? The best thing you can do for Angora goats is to refuse to buy products made with mohair. Goat Mohair, in my opinion, is one of the finest natural fibres on the market, with a rich history. I am most interested in wool and mohair. Do not use a dryer and avoid hanging out in direct sunlight. The knitting of the yarn is done in Madagascar with a … Without their coats to provide natural insulation, Angora goats have no protection against the cold and often freeze to death. That’s why some enthusiastic designers go as far as calling it the “diamond fiber.” When blended with another fiber in clothing, mohair tends to lend its luster to the fiber and, in turn, adds to its price. However, producing wool is resource-intensive. The combination of its best practice farming and the environment of its Karoo region’s hot dry summers, cold winters and semi-desert vegetation works together to produce the best mohair in the world. Find out more about angora (rabbits) from this post Series on Wool: Angora - Can it ever be ethical? I don't know about the animal cruelty but there are environmental concerns about cheap cashmere because it's led to overgrazing of land. The skin of the animal is often torn in the process, and the open wounds that result can quickly become infected and become fatal. Because workers are paid not by the hour but according to how many goats they have sheared, they work as quickly as possible, with little or no regard for the animal’s well-being. New Zealand’s favourite ethical clothing essentials brand has a range of beautiful knitwear to boost your wardrobe. You may Mohair is an entirely biodegradable fabric, which means that garments or other textiles made from this substance break down in nature relatively rapidly and do not inherently contribute to pollution. The textile has several desirable qualities: Now that we know what mohair is, the next question is how it is used. We source mohair products only from leading old established mohair suppliers who adopt the highest ethical standards and animal welfare practices. Mohair is one of the most luxurious fibers, thanks to its durability, resilience, and high luster. wool, mohair, natural melange, azo free, sustainable, ethical mohair. Mohair wool is produced in South Africa with traceability in direct contact with farmers, guaranteeing animal welfare. Responsible Mohair Standard What is the RMS? Thank you! Contact Info. Do not use a dryer and avoid hanging out in direct sunlight. We seek to maintain the highest industry standards to ensure a sustainable, profitable and continuously improving South African mohair industry. Kowtow’s knitwear range is made from 100% fair trade certified organic cotton, and has a soft textured hand feel. There are many types of plant fibers that produce exceptionally cuddly and soft fabric. All About our Mohair Products. We offer pieces made with materials of exceptional quality so that they will last over time, but the way you care for them is just as important. “Mohair” comes from the Arabic term Muhayar meaning, “the … Mohair. A unique yarn that looks and feels fantastic, we explore what makes it so special and how we’re committed to using it responsibly. South African mohair - where the mohair yarn we use is sourced - has become the global leader in mohair production, producing approximately half of the world’s mohair. Dimensions: L27xW22cm. Because mohair fabric is very delicate, it’s best to wash it in cold water only. Mohair Mill Shop is a proudly South African brand, and we source all of our Mohair products locally from trusted, ethical farmers. Mohair South Africa is committed to ethical mohair production in South Africa. Instead, look for small farmers who raise their own Angora goats, and treat the animals with care and respect. This article was translated from German to English by Christie Sacco. Often referred to as the ‘noble fibre’, mohair is an ancient fibre renowned for its lustre, resilience and colour reflection. Theo + George. To adhere to the principles of Angora goat welfare, The House of Fibre is driving the initiative of the Responsible Mohair Standards (RMS) in South Africa. Please select your countryfrom the globe icon at the top left. Buy only locally produced organic wool, and investigate to make sure that animal well being is a priority on the farms where the material is sourced. If you’re not ready to give up animal fibers completely, at least avoid mass-produced textiles. There is also the fact that Mohair wool comes mostly from South Africa – the long transport to the rest of the world is anything but sustainable. Recently, PETA took a closer look at what the situation at mohair farms is like in South Africa, where most mohair is produced. But no matter what it’s called, any kind of wool means suffering for animals. [citation needed] The Angora goat is thought to originate from the mountains of Tibet, reaching Turkey in the 16th century.However, fabric made of mohair was known in England as early as the 8th century. You can find more info about sustainable clothing here: PETA’s List of Eco and Vegan-Friendly Clothing Brands. more. To avoid damage, use the delicate cycle on your washing machine, or wash it by hand. Howdy! Mohair grows in uniform locks. Add your favourites to your wish list and save them for later! To avoid damage, use the delicate cycle on your washing machine, or wash it by hand. Ethical Angora. 9 Things you need to know about Quinoa, Neither Nestlé nor Monsanto: This is the worst Company in the World, Magnum Ice Cream Introduces Non-Dairy Sea Salt Caramel Bars, Americans are Not Making the Connection Between Food and Climate Change, Ben & Jerry’s Launches First Non-Dairy Ice Cream Made of Sunflower Butter, Starbucks Announces “Multi-Decade Commitment to Become a Resource-Positive Company”, GFI Predicts Top 5 Alt Protein Trends for 2020, Swai Fish: 5 Reasons Not to Eat Pangasius. The shearing process is intensely stressful for the goats, who are roughly treated, thrown around, and sometimes even mutilated and killed while workers remove their har, as proved by PETA in 2018. Or share them with family and friends via email or social media. In Summary: If sustainable living is a priority for you, don’t buy an excessive amount of clothing made with mohair or any other animal fiber. The matter of ethical trade cannot be understated as it brought a lot of challenges following the unannounced visit of a civil society organisation that produced a videos clip that brought the industry to its knees. Our goals The goals of the Responsible Mohair Standard are to provide the industry with a tool to recognize the best practices of… But make sure that your mohair fabric doesn’t soak in water for too long! Yet, with luxury comes responsibility. Mohair’s high quality sheen and exceptional natural properties firmly establish it as one of the world’s most luxurious fibres. Available in a variety of designs and sizes to suit your needs, these mohair throws are the best warm throws for any occasion. Our Angora only comes from our own rabbits, so we know they are well cared for, treated with kindness and in no way harmed when we shear them for the wool. But the ways in which it's raised and sourced and refined and marketed need work. As soon as they are no longer profitable for mohair production, the animals are sold off to the slaughterhouse. The Responsible Mohair Standard is a voluntary standard that addresses the welfare of goats and the land they graze on. The unethical practises (by few producers) that were portrayed shook the industry. From the classic pull over to beautiful button ups, the range includes new and old styles in primary colours red, navy and yellow. Or click register to create an L.K.Bennett account. The Life Impact | Vegan | Sustainability Lists | | Ingredient Guide | | Ingredient Guide | Mohair is on its way out at some of the world’s biggest international clothing companies. As a result, Mohair South Africa had to do … Believe it or not, there is no relation between the two animals and despite the similar name, mohair and angora fibre are discernibly different. And its production does not release toxins of any kind into the environment. Angora is the beautifully soft and very warm yarn from special rabbits. South Africa is currently the largest producer of mohair in the world. The hair is then processed to remove natural grease, dirt and vegetable matter. The Sustainable Mohair Production Guidelines provides background information on the principles, criteria and indicators supported by self-assessment checklists. Mohair is shorn from the goat twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. Here is what you can do against that: You can sign PETA’s petition against wool industry cruelty here. 5 Items. Mohair. Big fashion brands like H&M, Esprit, Gap Inc., Zara, and others have banned mohair textiles from their clothing lines or promised to do so by 2020 at the latest. Options available: Grey, Mint Green, Teal *If the option does not appear in the dropdown list, it is unfortunately out of stock. By signing up to emails you are agreeing to our privacy policy, We've made it easier to ship your order to. The DIGO is hand-knitted from supersoft mohair then dip dyed by hand to get the ombre effect; wear with turned up rim or slouch style. Here’s…. Premium Mohair Socks. Find your nearest L.K.Bennett store with ease. On those occasions when you do buy animal textiles, look for sustainable sources. Angora goats are originally from Turkey, but because of the increased demand for their hair, they are now also raised in Australia and parts of Africa. In this article, we’ll show you what the new…. Mohair is a sustainable industry. But make sure that your mohair fabric doesn’t soak in water for too long! We advise you to hand wash your L’Envers piece in cold water and lay it out on a flat surface to dry. One goat will produce 11 to 17 pounds (5–8 kg) of mohair a year. South Africa is the global leader in mohair production – and Mohair South Africa have pursued the development of Responsible Mohair Standards to drive a sustainable and ethical mohair industry. Options available: Grey, Mint Green, Teal Blue *If the option does not appear in the dropdown list, it is unfortunately out of stock. Description. Mohair is one of the oldest textile fibers in use. The long, curly white hair of the Angora goat is highly sought after in the textile industry for its exceptionally silky and soft qualities. Mohair is divided into three quality categories: Because mohair fabric is very delicate, it’s best to wash it in cold water only. Ethically sourced and cruelty free mohair knitting yarn from the angora goat. But even before the first shearing, which usually occurs when the animal is about six months old, Angora goats are treated with the most abhorrent cruelty. The fleece of the angora goat is one of the most beautiful and sustainable natural fibres in the world. The Ethical Dilemma. Unfortunately, the price tag isn’t the only reason why you might want to avoid mohair. The RMS is a global standard created by the Textile Exchange to specifically provide the guidelines and practices that ensure mohair is produced in a sustainable and ethical manner. Regulates body temperature: keeps you cool in the summer, warm in the winter. Angora goats are sheared twice a year and provide about four to six kilograms (about 8-13 pounds) of wool each. He doesn’t shed hair. Enjoy the benefits of natural mohair made sustainably and ethically with The Glamorous Goat. Theo + George … Treat your feet to our amazingly soft mohair socks, our range made from a blend of sustainably-farmed Angora goat kid mohair, merino wool and bamboo. Because natural mohair fibers are quite costly, most mohair textiles are made with a blend of different textile fibers. Mohair South Africa has further illustrated the country’s commitment to building a sustainable and ethical mohair sector through their engagement with Textile Exchange. What they found was horrifying: Although the typical life expectancy of Angora goats is about ten years, the vast majority don’t live past five or six years. Does anyone have recommendations for affordable and ethical yarn companies? Browse by area or search for a store by postcode, The Wellness Series: Beginners Meditation Guide, The Wellness Series: Top Tips For Self Care. What is mohair? In 2018, the Mohair Industry’s plight was shaken when a video surfaced from People for Ethical Treatment of Animals – PETA). Holes for ear tags are punched with sharp pliers, and the horns of young goats are often burned off, with no pain relief, when the animals are one to two weeks old (also. The diameter of mohair fibers depends on the goats’ age. But despite its many attractive qualities, mohair has been banned by many clothing brands due to the appalling animal cruelty that is often involved in its production. South African mohair - where the mohair yarn we use is sourced - has become the global leader in mohair production, producing approximately half of the world’s mohair. Consumers that want to wear mohair without ethical or environmental concerns should pick garments made by certified cruelty-free wool producers. Its sweaters are made out of cotton and wool. The perfect combination of natural fibres for the ideal everyday sock. Instead, look for alternatives. Changing dynamics in mohair production. I also want to call out my hypocrisy as we do the same thing with dogs. During the shearing process, the goats are pinned to the ground, and their legs are bound. Irresistible deals on already cheap clothes along with constant new releases drive the cycle of fast fashion clothing consumption. Mohair. The images of shown in the video do not present a picture any responsible industry can be proud off. For example, I have a pet dog that I adopted at the age of 11 months who was bred to appease many positive qualities for human companionship. Sustainable and ethical cashmere can be all of those things, too. Mohair Throws - Ethical and Sustainable Made from the highest quality Angora goat kid mohair, our stylish throws are guaranteed to keep you warm and cosy. This downright torturous procedure is employed because it is cheap and easy and does not require trained workers. This season, we have used luxury South African mohair in a number of our favourite knits. Magical Mohair. Mohair fleece is among the most expensive textiles in the world and is cherished for its softness and durability. The fabric has a number of ethical issues that need to be considered, even if you’re careful not to confuse the hair from Angora goats with Angora wool, which is taken from rabbits and a much nastier business altogether. Wool also has unique properties that plant or synthetic fibers can’t compete with. People Tree is recognized by customers and the fashion industry as a pioneer in ethical and environmentally sustainable fashion. Male animals are often castrated with a rubber band, which clamps off their testicles without anesthetic and leaves the animals in agony for days. Ethical mohair clothing you’ll love. Partners. Mohair is the hair of the Angora goat and is one of the most luxurious textile fibers in the world – not to be confused with the fiber called Angora, which comes from rabbits. For over 25 years, People Tree has partnered with Fair Trade producers, garment workers, artisans, and farmers in the developing world to produce ethical and eco fashion collections. Wool clothing, for example, is more robust, regulates the body temperature better, and does not need to be washed as often. Before shearing, live goats are often thrown into caustic chemical baths to remove dirt and feces from their coats. We are very proud to support the Responsible Mohair Standard, working in collaboration with industry partners and our knitters to verify the chain of source and ensure that responsible and sustainable practices are used throughout the supply chain, from start to finish. When it is processed correctly, mohair does not crease. This is (now) by design, and I don’t think the intent to breed sheep to produce more wool is ethical, but we can’t undo the past. Since PETA brought the shocking circumstances of mohair production to light in 2018, there has been some progress. I believe Brora are regarded as ethical as well as very high quality. Natural and eco-friendly, it’s a renewable resource that provides a sustainable production chain between animal and human. The combination of its best practice farming and the environment of its Karoo region’s hot dry summers, cold winters and semi-desert vegetation works together to produce the best mohair in the world. Bubble Recipes: How to Make a DIY Bubble Solution For Kids, How to Store Ginger Root: 6 Ways to Keep Your Ginger Fresh for Longer, Zero Waste Bathroom: Tips for Using Less Plastic, 11 Flowers for Bees: Turn Your Garden or Balcony Into a Bee Paradise, Food Waste: 10 Pro Tips for Reducing Food Waste. Mohair wool, unlike synthetic textiles, does not contain any hormone-disrupting, organ-damaging, or carcinogenic chemical. However, the nature of the presentation of the video was a message that seem to suggest that all Mohair Not all brands have stopped using mohair, though. 80% mohair wool; 20% polyamide; We endorse high standards of animal welfare and make sure our sheep are treated with love and respect. Dimensions: L27xW22cm. Mass breeding of goats and sheep can also become a problem for the environment if areas are overgrazed. Organic wool is a naturally renewable material that is biodegradable and does not require artificial additives. In addition to clothing, mohair is used to make pillows, blankets, upholstery, carpets, and stuffed animals. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. The South African Mohair Industry is committed to apply on-farm production systems which will differentiate the Mohair Industry as a sustainable, bio-diversity-friendly , clean and ethically compliant industry. Pure Collection used to state that their cashmere was sustainably produced although I'm not sure if that's still the case and they seem to have had some changes at the top. But what is the reason behind mohair’s popularity? Sign up for our emails to be among the first to gain access to exclusive L.K.Bennett news, updates & new product arrivals. So what does it mean to live a zero waste lifestyle? categories: Fashion. It may be called wool, mohair, pashmina, shahtoosh, or cashmere. However, when it comes to mohair production, its effect on the animals is a major concern. The DIGO is hand-knitted from supersoft mohair then dip dyed by hand to get the ombre effect; wear with turned up rim or slouch style. You can read the original here: Mohair-Wolle: Besonderheiten und Kritik, Subscribe to our newsletter Informative, free, inspiring, 3 Simple Questions That Will Make You Quit Fast Fashion, Zero Waste Lifestyle Guide: Simple Tips Towards Sustainable Living, PETA’s List of Eco and Vegan-Friendly Clothing Brands, Minimalist Wardrobe: Closet Clearing Tips and Tricks, Going vegan: 5 Simple Steps Towards Veganism, Decluttering Your Home: 4 Tips for Sorting Out Your Belongings, Why Injecting or Ingesting Disinfectant Might Kill You, Fighting Coronavirus: This isn’t About You, Healthy Inca Grain? Textile Exchange is a global non-profit organisation that works closely with international members to drive industry transformation in preferred fibres, integrity and standards, and responsible supply networks. Sign in with your email address to review your account details and orders.