I might have found the perfect all-time sustainable sweater

This article is an unpaid collaboration between Jaz Brunner & Tsitaliya Mircheva, founder of Mums in Heels, whose intention is to promote and support sustainability and ethical fashion businesses. We both hope to inspire your next autumn purchase and investment in sustainable sweaters and knitwear, supporting several families in Nepal. 

Returning from my summer holidays, I stepped out from the airport and felt a sudden chill down my suntanned body. The skies were grey and cloudy, and the wind made me think of autumn, the smell of burning wood, a glass of Bordeaux wine and a cosy soft sustainable (if possible) sweater tied over my shoulders. Is it autumn already, I thought?

Watching the raindrops fall down the window of my train, I started mentally browsing my wardrobe. Do I even own a sustainable sweater that I can wear, something that feels good on my skin without the itchy feeling? I hope you understand that no jacket or coat can compare to a good quality soft and warm sweater, especially in autumn, when you are not quite ready to transition into the cool mornings and shorter days, when more than ever you need a loving gentle hug to reassure you that you will be alright throughout the coming cold days… well, and to inspire you for those quiet evenings by the fire. 

I don’t know about you but knitwear is one of my favourite things to don on late summer and early autumn days, so irresistibly charming when thrown over your linen dress, or layered under your trench coat or thick coat in the depths of winter.

Today the question what you wear is not only about whether it looks good on you, but how it’s made, who made it and whether it is ethically produced without harming the planet? 

With the pandemic last year, spending more hours at home, I got rid of a lot of pieces that I’ve kept accumulating over the years, mainly because their quality did not serve me any more. With the awareness that we have today as consumers, knowing that our choices have direct effect on the wellbeing of our planet, it feels wrong to buy acrylic or damaging polyester and toxic dyed pieces. Last year I made a commitment to buy when possible eco-conscious and ethical fabrics and fashion, without having to compromise with my personal style. 

However, when it comes to knitwear things can be a little tricky. Finding a socially responsible brand, which works transparently and creates almost no waste, which uses high grade cashmere and wool without toxic dyes, is not easy at all. But luck was on my side. Someone I know and work with, seemed to have had the same need and desire as me, and since such product wasn’t available on the market, she decided to make it. 

She is a Swiss girl, a model and a young entrepreneur, whose life is pretty active and most times on the go between countries and continents. A multitalented woman, vibrant and curious, who seems to own the energy to turn the whole world upside down till she finds what she needs. At the same time she reminds me of the classic old-Hollywood glamour actresses, think Katharine Hepburn, Lauren Bacall and Grace Kelly, who are the epitome of effortless elegance, grace and poise.

Jasmin Brunner possesses exactly that kind of allure and presence. In the past 15 years she’s been working with some of the most renown and established brands like: Bvlgari, Dior, Alfa Romeo, Acqua di Parma, Hermès, Karl Lagerfeld, L’Oréal and many more. Several years ago Jasmin started the Rogues Artist Management Agency, a creative agency working on visual branding strategies, content direction, ambassadorship and product placement in fashion, beauty and film.

Last year, together with her husband Alex Lambrechts, a professional fashion photographer and filmmaker, Jasmin saw an opportunity to create a new sustainable product, something she’s been missing in her wardrobe for years.

“In winter I was often stuck looking for the right sweater to keep me warm and comfortable, but also to look elegant and chic no matter if I am going for a biz lunch or for a stroll through town. That’s when I felt I wanted to design my own ultra luxurious cashmere sweater that can be worn on a bare skin and can regulate the body temperature”. 

Working in the fashion industry for many years has elevated Jasmine’s sensitivity for good quality, distinctive design and craftsmanship. Last year she finally was able to find the right partner and together with her husband they started working with Jean and Temple, a London based brand specialised in artisanal luxury knitwear, handmade in Nepal.

“It was very important for me that the production is sustainable and ethical. Jean and Temple works with a Nepalese factory that pays fair wages to the workers and follows a Buddhist calendar. The yarn comes from an eco-conscious factory that uses non-toxic dyes and invests in internships in Mongolia.

THE MAGIC OF TIMELESSNESS

So what makes a sweater a wardrobe staple? Obviously it must be able to make your day-to-day dressing infinitely easier. It must be a piece that fits well, that’s comfortable and safe to be worn on almost any occasion.

A wardrobe staple is simple and easy to style while always creating a great silhouette. All this means not only exquisite quality sustainable fabric, perfect craftsmanship but also an iconic design. In this case, Jazmine and Alex were inspired by retro sports wear, adding relaxed sleeves, loose high neck, tapered arms and mid-section. In other words a sweater like this can give you the building blocks for whatever personal frontier you’re exploring. And it feels amazing on the skin, because it regulates the body temperature and it is ultra soft no matter if you have it on bare skin or over a classic silky shirt. 

As it seems Jasmin and Alex sustainable sweaters tick all the boxes, including the absolutely stunning soulful colours they’ve chosen for their limited capsule collection: mink grey and sandalwood, and black and ivory. 

STYLING TIPS FROM JAZ BRUNNER

The sweater offers plenty of styling possibilities; the loose neck leaves room for a white shirt underneath, a necklace, foulard or simply show some skin. Why not roll the tapered sleeves upend wear the jumper tucked in:

Discover more about how the clothes are made

SHOP the whole sustainable sweater collection at Jelmoli, available this week, second floor, next to Reawake and online.

Photocredits Alex Lambrechts