Styling A Classic

Johnstons of Elgin's Design Director for Wovens, Laura Garner with influential Stylist Naoko Okusa with cashmere stoles hanging in the background

Our Design Director for Wovens, Laura Garner, met with influential Stylist Naoko Okusa on a recent visit to Tokyo. Naoko is a friend of Johnstons of Elgin and a huge fan of Scottish Cashmere. She asked Laura about her favourite seasonal accessories and compared notes on styling the classic Cashmere Stole.
 

What is your favourite piece from this season's collection?

It's a Japan Special Cashmere Stole, which means we only make this for the Japanese market. The check follows a similar layout to the Royal Stewart check, but we chose light taupes and greys and included a neon yellow highlight. The overall colourway remains warm due to the base colours' soft, warm, natural shades.

How would you style a Cashmere Stole?

Influential Stylist Naoko Okusa wearing Johnstons of Elgin's MacLeod of Lewis Yellow Tartan Cashmere Stole
Drape the stole loosely over both shoulders, twist one end around your chest and then slip it over the other shoulder. With this trick, the check appears a little more complicated and nuanced. I recommend this, so your stole doesn’t fall off your shoulder.
- Naoko Okusa
Our Design Director for Wovens, Laura Garner wearing a Japan Special Cashmere Stole in light taupes and greys and included a neon yellow highlight
I like to keep things simple when I wear a stole. I wrap it around my neck once, keeping the fabric full, then roll up the edges, so it's higher up the neck. It's very cold in Scotland, but this way, my stole keeps me warm.
- Laura Garner

I have been using Johnstons of Elgin products for about 10 years now. There are many ways to wrap a Cashmere Stole, and when it's worn out, you can use it as a throw on a bed or sofa. Can you recommend any other uses?

Johnstons of Elgin Stoles go with everything. I wear them with elegant dresses and also for outdoor activities such as walking up mountains in the colder seasons or having a BBQ at the beach in summer. Scottish summers can still be chilly. And finally, when my stoles get old, my lucky cat gets them for his bed. He’s a very spoilt cat!
 

Shop Cashmere Stoles & Scarves