Atelier MAUDÉ — The material
Material
Material
above all.
We don't sell coats. We sell years of wear, softness and quiet elegance. Everything begins with the choice of fibre.
We don't sell coats. We sell years of wear, softness and quiet elegance. Everything begins with the choice of fibre.
Each material has its strengths. Laine provides structure, durability and lasting form. Cachemire provides incomparable softness, lightness and a silky touch against the skin. By marrying the two in equal measure, we obtain a coat that keeps its promises season after season — without ever losing its grace.
Cachemire comes from the down of Capra Hircus goats raised on the high plateaux of Inner Mongolia. At this altitude, extreme temperature swings — down to –40°C in winter — push these goats to develop an undercoat of exceptional fineness and softness.
Each goat produces only 150 to 200 grams of cachemire per year. It is this rarity, combined with the quality of the fibre, that explains the value of the material. For a single MAUDÉ coat, several goats contribute their annual down.
We work with partners established in this region for decades, guaranteeing complete traceability of the fibre.
Nicknamed the "Venice of the Orient", Suzhou has been the world capital of precious textile since antiquity. Imperial silk, fine embroidery, worked cachemire — everything requiring patience and precision finds its masters here.
Our partner ateliers in Suzhou master the art of cachemire weaving through techniques passed down from generation to generation. Each MAUDÉ coat goes through more than 40 production stages before it is ready to travel to you.
We regularly visit our ateliers. We know the people who make your coats. This is a relationship of trust, not an anonymous order.
The harvest
In spring, herders gently comb the goats' undercoat by hand. The down is then sorted, cleaned and combed to separate the longest and finest fibres — only these will enter the composition of our coats.
Spinning & weaving
The fibres are spun, dyed in meticulously controlled baths, then woven with the selected laine to create our 50/50 blend. This process demands clockmaker's precision: thread tension, fabric density and final weight are checked at every stage.
The making
The fabric is then cut and sewn by our artisans in Suzhou. Each piece is individually inspected before dispatch. Seams, buttonholes, drape, finishings — nothing is left to chance. A MAUDÉ coat leaves the atelier only when it is perfect.
Why blend laine and cachemire rather than 100% cachemire?
100% cachemire is spectacular to the touch — but it is fragile. Laine provides resistance and structure that cachemire alone cannot guarantee in a coat worn daily. Our 50/50 blend combines the best of both: the softness of cachemire, the durability of laine.
How do you know if cachemire is quality?
A superior fibre measures less than 15 microns in thickness — for comparison, a human hair measures 70 microns. The finer the fibre, the softer and lighter the fabric. We select exclusively long and fine fibres, which limits pilling and extends the lifespan of the coat.
Will the coat pill?
All cachemire, even the finest, may pill slightly at first — this is a sign that residual short fibres are naturally shedding. After a few wears, the phenomenon disappears and the fabric reveals its definitive softness. Use a gentle cachemire stone to remove any pills if needed.
How long will my MAUDÉ coat last?
With proper care, a quality wool and cachemire coat can be worn 10 to 15 years. This is the opposite of fast fashion: you pay more once, but you divide the cost by ten. A MAUDÉ coat worn for 10 years works out at less than £40 per year.
There are things that cannot be explained, only felt. The moment you first slip on a quality wool and cachemire coat — that soft, warm envelope that immediately embraces your silhouette — it is a unique experience.
That is precisely why we accept returns within 14 days. See our return conditions. We know that touching changes everything. If the coat doesn't envelop you as you hoped, send it back. But our experience tells us you won't want to take it off.
Air rather than wash
Between wears, hang your coat in fresh air overnight. Cachemire self-regenerates — the natural humidity of the air is enough to smooth the fibres.
Gentle washing
If washing is necessary: by hand in cold water with a wool detergent, or a gentle machine cycle in a mesh bag. Never wring. Dry flat.
Off-season storage
Fold your coat, do not hang it (the weight distorts the shoulders). Store it clean in a cotton cover with a few cedar leaves to repel moths.
Pilling
Use a cachemire stone or soft comb. Lay the coat flat, gently brush the surface. Pills disappear in a few passes.
"We don't believe in pieces worn for two seasons. We believe in coats you never want to take off."Aude & Mathilde, founders of Atelier MAUDÉ
Laine comes from sheep — it is robust, insulating and slightly textured to the touch. Cachemire comes from the down of Capra Hircus goats from Mongolia — it is rare, extremely fine (8 to 15 microns vs 20–40 for laine), and incomparably soft. Our 50/50 blend draws the best from both fibres.
With care, yes. Delicate cycle at 30°C maximum, in a mesh laundry bag. Use a wool-cachemire detergent (enzyme-free). Never wring or tumble dry. Dry flat on a towel. We recommend dry cleaning for full washes.
Yes, this is entirely normal in the first few weeks. Pilling is caused by residual short fibres that collect on the surface. After 3 to 5 wears, the phenomenon disappears naturally. You can speed up the process with a cachemire stone (available at most pharmacies). This is not a defect — it is the nature of cachemire.
We work with partner ateliers in Suzhou with whom we have a direct, long-term relationship. We regularly visit our producers. Cachemire is harvested by combing (not shearing), which respects animal welfare. We believe that transparency is the best form of ethics — which is why we tell you exactly where each material comes from.
Because we sell direct, without intermediaries. No Paris boutiques, no distributors, no inflated margins. You pay for the material, the craftsmanship and our work — that is all. A brand like Bompard or Max Mara charges the same coat at £700 to £1,500. The difference is their cost structure, not the quality of your coat.
Three models. Exceptional fibres. Made to last. Free delivery, 14-day returns.
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