Care is how luxury becomes an heirloom.
The purpose of care is not constant cleaning. It is to prevent avoidable damage, intervene only when necessary and preserve the fibre, colour and handwork for the years ahead.
Something happened. Start here.
Choose the closest situation. The first response is deliberately conservative because hurried treatment often creates more damage than the original incident.
Lift what you can. Add nothing.
Wool and silk can become more vulnerable when wet, while dyes and finishes may react unpredictably. The safest first response is controlled and minimal.
Remove the Piece and support it flat on a clean, dry surface.
Use a clean white absorbent cloth. Lift moisture gently; never scrub or twist.
Photograph the mark and contact the House before applying any treatment.
Support the weight. Let air do the work.
A wet textile is heavier and easier to stretch. Handle it as little as possible and allow slow, natural drying away from light and heat.
Lay the Piece flat on a clean, dry towel without pulling its edges.
Keep it in shade with gentle room ventilation. Turn only with full support.
Do not fold until completely dry. Ask if a tide mark or colour movement remains.
Protect the structure. Do not chase the thread.
A loose thread may belong to the weave, embroidery or finishing. Pulling or cutting it can turn a small disturbance into structural damage.
Stop wearing the Piece and gently remove the jewellery or object that caught it.
Keep the affected area relaxed. Do not stretch the surrounding cloth.
Take clear images of the front and reverse, then ask the House or a textile specialist.
Begin with time, not heat.
Fine fibres often relax after being opened and supported. Direct heat or pressure can flatten texture, alter shine and damage embroidery.
Unfold the Piece fully on a clean, dry and shaded surface.
Allow the fibre time to relax naturally without adding moisture.
If the crease persists, ask before steaming or pressing the Piece.
Four habits. Very little effort.
The best care happens before cleaning is necessary. Small habits protect the surface, reduce stress on the fibre and keep the Piece ready to wear.
Prepare first
Apply fragrance and cosmetics before dressing and let them dry. Remove jewellery with sharp edges before arranging the Piece.
Let it rest
After wearing, open the Piece flat in shade with gentle ventilation. Folding immediately can trap warmth, moisture and scent.
Clean sparingly
Cleaning is an intervention, not a routine after every wear. Follow the Piece instructions and use a specialist experienced with its fibre and handwork.
Store without strain
Keep it completely dry, broadly folded and breathable. Avoid tight creases, crowded shelves, long-term hanging and direct contact with ordinary cardboard or wood.
A note on pilling: light surface pilling can occur where fine fibres meet repeated friction. Reduce rubbing from bags, seat belts and rough outerwear; never shave a valuable Piece without specialist advice.
The material changes the protocol.
Select the closest description. If a Piece combines fibres, dyes, embroidery or hand finishing, follow the most cautious applicable instruction—and always defer to its individual care directions.
Pashmina
Heat, moisture and friction together can permanently matt or shrink fine animal fibres. Gentle handling and minimal cleaning protect their lightness.
After wearing
Air flat in shade. Minimise rubbing against rough coats, handbags, seat belts and jewellery.
Cleaning
Clean only when needed through a specialist experienced in fine pashmina. Do not hand-wash unless the exact Piece instructions explicitly allow it.
Storage
Store clean, fully dry and loosely folded with soft support at the folds. Keep it dark, ventilated and protected from moths.
Silk
Silk is strong for its weight but sensitive to ultraviolet light, abrasion, moisture marks, chlorine and direct heat. Lustre needs protection, not polishing.
After wearing
Air in shade and avoid prolonged direct sunlight. Keep rain, perfume, cosmetics and sharp jewellery away from the surface.
Cleaning
Follow the Piece instructions and use a silk specialist. Do not spot-clean, soak or test household stain treatments on an unseen corner.
Storage
Fold completely dry with minimal pressure. Protect it from light, dampness, ordinary cardboard and crowded storage that can set hard creases.
Handwork
Embroidery and hand finishing add structure, relief and concentrated labour. The decorated surface may respond differently from the ground textile beneath it.
While wearing
Keep clasps, jewellery and rough surfaces away. Avoid pressure that crushes raised stitches or distorts the decorated field.
If disturbed
Never pull, trim or glue a loose thread. Support the area flat, photograph both sides and seek advice before repair.
Cleaning & storage
Use a specialist who understands the fibre, dyes and decoration together. Store flat or broadly folded without weight pressing on the handwork.
The enemies are ordinary.
Damage usually accumulates quietly: a rough bag in the same place, sunlight through a window, moisture folded into storage or a Piece left undisturbed long enough for pests to settle.
The long-rest sequence.
Before travel, seasonal storage or a long pause between wears, move through the sequence in order.
Look for marks, moisture, loose threads or pest signs.
Use the correct specialist before storing a soiled Piece.
Never enclose residual moisture, warmth or perfume.
Use broad folds and soft, acid-free support where needed.
Choose breathable protection, then inspect periodically.
When care becomes uncertain, stop.
Send the Piece name, what happened and clear photographs of the front and reverse. The House can help you decide the safest next step before a small issue becomes permanent.