“I could have taken one of every cashmere knit on display”

Streamlined Italian cover-ups for all seasons – from lightweight sweaters to capacious capes

I had arrived early for an interview in Milan’s chic Brera district. Meandering the quiet streets to kill time, a shop window caught my eye with its display of a camel-coloured cape (€1,580). The supremely elegant cover-up was right up my aesthetic alley and drew me in to Lunaria Cashmere, a small boutique that specialises in fine knits for all seasons, from sweaters to coats to scarves – all wrought in a pleasing palette of muted tones. 

Cashmere smoking jacket, €1,199; also comes in six other colourways

These are designs that are modern yet timeless; streamlined and beautifully made in yarn from the highlands of Asia (including Mongolia, China and Afghanistan). If money were no object, I would have taken one of everything on display, such as a slightly cropped smoking jacket (€1,199) in the richest shade of midnight blue, and a summer-weight slate-grey turtleneck (€474). What I did eventually walk away with, however, was the dove-grey reversible-collar Puff coat (€1,690), which I have worn almost daily for the past two months. It is, in fact, part-belted, wraparound sweater/part jacket and pairs well with everything from casual jeans to smart black slacks, providing just the right amount of warmth on a chilly summer evening – but also has lots of layering potential come autumn. 

Cashmere Puff coat, €1,690; also available in seven other colourways

In the end, it was my friend who bought one of the covetable capes, which come in taupe or navy as well as camel. And if I had been feeling more generous – or had more space in my suitcase – I might have bought my husband a smart cable-knit crewneck sweater (€575) or Lunaria’s dressy take on a cargo shirt (€1,249). The range is also all available to buy online.