Trend Alert: The New Cashmere

WHAT: Vicuña, the world’s softest wool

WHY: Everywhere you look it seems someone’s touting a cashmere sweater or scarf. Remember when this material used to be exclusive? Since it’s now so commonplace, high-end fashion houses are looking at the vicuña, the endangered relative of the llama who wanders the Andean highlands, instead. Vicuña fleece creates the world’s softest fabric, and since the animal is shorn only once every two years, the fibers are definitely considered rare. True exclusivity doesn’t come cheaply though. This luxe camel-colored fringed scarf will set you back considerably, but it’s the real deal, made from 100% vicuña and comes in an elegant wooden box to boot. Read more in a recent Wall Street Journal article discussing Loro Piana SpA, the Italian fashion label that has controlled most of the world’s limited production of vicuña and how it is now facing some competition. How much time before this posh commodity is headed for mass-market uniformity?

PRICE: $1,199

Get One: at AlpacAccessories.com