CASHMIRINO CHRISTMAS (merino wool kids’ clothing)

The other day I was invited by luxury children’s clothing company, CASHMIRINO, to watch the turning on of the Christmas lights at their London store.

This appealed to me for several reasons: firstly, their clothes are divine; classic pieces in styles made from luscious cashmere, and crisp cotton and linen. Secondly because I LOVE a good Christmas light, and lastly because the Burlington Arcade is a living piece of English history.

Walking through the entrance is like stepping back in time. Standing guard at each end are the traditional Beadles – men who’ve been employed at the arcade for nearly two centuries to protect the stores, and ensure visitors are behaving with the proper decorum.

Even the arcade itself has a colourful history – built in 1819 by Lord George Cavendish (whose adjoining stately home now houses the Royal Academy) it was intended to act as a barrier to ‘ruffians’ who insisted on throwing oyster shells onto his property. Isn’t that brilliant?

Since then, the Burlington Arcade has been a London icon for style, with tenants including Ladurée, Penhaligon’s, Theo Fennell, and now – Cashmirino. Owner Maria Busquets opened the first store in Milan in 2000, and it seemed only fitting that her first London store was in the historic Burlington Arcade.

The winter line consists of timeless designs; smocked dresses, knitted cardigans, and soft leggings made from 100% cashmere, and wool. After drooling over admiring the range, and even considering having another baby JUST to dress them up in their adorable onesies, the Cashmirino team told me about a sweet Christmas campaign they’ve just launched.

Get your little one to design their own Christmas jumper (they’ll supply you with a template and crayons) and every one you post or bring back to store will receive a Cashmirino treat. AND… one design will be selected from all the entries, and actually put into production next Christmas.

Below are the girls’ efforts. Not particularly Christmassy, sure, but they had a fab time colouring them in. If you’re in London doing your Xmas shopping, plan a trip to the fabulous Burlington Arcade and grab your design kit from Cashmirino. It could be your child’s design being shown off in the shop window next Christmas!