{"product_id":"90s-old-ballantyne-pure-cashmere-argyle-pattern-crew-neck-sweater-size-48-harrods","title":"［~90's］Old BALLANTYNE Pure Cashmere Argyle Pattern Crew-Neck Sweater Size.48 \"Harrods 別注\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCirca 1990s, BALLANTYNE Pure Cashmere Argyle Pattern Crew Neck Sweater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA special acquisition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBALLANTYNE traces its lineage to William Ballantyne, a weaver born in 1650 in Galashiels, Scotland. The house carries more than two centuries of accumulated expertise in woollen textile production, establishing itself as a preeminent name in luxury cashmere knitwear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe brand's formal foundation as a knitwear manufacturer dates to 1921.\u003cbr\u003eOperating from Cadies Mills, the oldest textile factory in the Scottish Borders, BALLANTYNE committed itself to serious cashmere production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe house's defining strength lies in intarsia—a sophisticated technique in which colored yarns are knitted directly into the fabric to render intricate patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe diamond intarsia, or argyle pattern, developed particularly during the 1950s, became synonymous with BALLANTYNE. It captivated the world's style icons: Grace Kelly, Steve McQueen, Jacqueline Kennedy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1967, BALLANTYNE received the Queen's Award from Elizabeth II, a distinction that reflected the caliber of its craftsmanship—so highly regarded that Hermès and Chanel, the finest Parisian houses, entrusted their knitwear production to this Scottish manufacturer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBALLANTYNE employs only the finest grade of cashmere, the highest of five classifications. Through its proprietary bare finish, the fiber achieves a resilient structure and subtle luminosity that distinguishes it from all other cashmere producers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those who choose quality over ostentation, who prefer to let textile speak rather than logos—BALLANTYNE quietly elevates one's wardrobe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the pinnacle of cashmere knitwear comes this remarkably beautiful multicolored argyle pattern piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this is no ordinary BALLANTYNE.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis garment was specially commissioned for Harrods, the legendary department store headquartered on Knightsbridge in London.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarrods, established in 1849, has held the designation of purveyor to the British Royal Household for generations. For over 170 years, it has remained the pinnacle of luxury retail. Its eye for selection is regarded as the world's most exacting. To have one's wares shelved at Harrods is, quite simply, certification of the highest quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe label reads \"Harrods KNIGHTSBRIDGE BY BALLANTYNE\", with the notation \"100% Pure Cashmere \/ MADE IN SCOTLAND\". Everything is contained in these lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis represents BALLANTYNE from the era of Scottish production—a significant detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn later years, BALLANTYNE relocated production to Italy. But this piece was carefully hand-knitted in a Scottish mill during the original period. The particular density and hand of the fabric, cultivated in the cool, humid air of the Scottish Borders, carries a character distinctly different from Italian-made examples. One perceives this immediately upon touch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf equal note: this is a crew neck. In the market, the vast majority of surviving pieces are V-neck. Crew neck examples are exceptionally scarce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCombined with a multicolored argyle pattern, this becomes a remarkably rare specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scarcity is entirely fitting. This is a special commission, possible only through Harrods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBALLANTYNE's signature diamond intarsia technique adorns the entire front panel of this piece. In intarsia construction, each color is a discrete yarn, never carried across the reverse as in jacquard weaving. This yields exceptional color saturation and prevents the fabric from becoming unnecessarily heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClose examination of the photographs reveals delicate stitching along the boundaries of each diamond. This is the distinctive trace of intarsia—evidence of hand craftsmanship, not mere mechanical production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd here lies this sweater's most compelling tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe front presents six colors woven into an argyle pattern of striking presence.\nYet upon turning to the back, one encounters something entirely different: a restrained, monochromatic dark navy. The argyle pattern merely glimpses at the shoulders—a hint of restraint that proves remarkably elegant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVivacious from the front, austere from behind. This subtle contradiction is rather affecting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fiber is pure cashmere, without admixture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBALLANTYNE sources only the finest grade cashmere available. Fibers are selected solely on the basis of fineness, length, and softness, then refined through the proprietary bare finish to achieve both resilient structure and refined luster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the photographs of cuff and ribbing demonstrate, pilling is virtually absent. The smooth quality native to cashmere has been thoughtfully preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe colorway comprises dark navy, cinnamon, burgundy, golden mustard, deep teal, and lavender.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first glance, the palette may seem bold. Yet in person, the effect is surprisingly restrained. The depth of the dark navy ground, and the precise tonal calibration of each accent color, create this effect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe burgundy is deep rather than vibrant. The lavender carries a subtle grayness. The cinnamon remains understated. Each hue belongs to a mature palette that settles naturally into the autumnal and winter atmosphere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a refined restraint—it adds grace to the often-somber tones of cold-season dressing without disrupting their essential character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize marking is 48, equivalent to approximately L to XL in Japanese sizing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe actual measurements reflect a generous fit, accommodating larger frames without issue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example presents in mint condition. No notable soiling or damage is evident.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a piece of pure cashmere to maintain this state speaks to the conscientious care of its previous owner. Cashmere, by nature, is susceptible to wear. To encounter a piece in such condition is genuinely uncommon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI speak plainly: if this size suits you, you are to be envied.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScottish-era BALLANTYNE. Pure cashmere. Multicolored argyle. Harrods commission. Crew neck. The concentration of these elements in a single piece may never occur again. The thought provokes something approaching jealousy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those drawn to argyle. For those wishing to experience BALLANTYNE cashmere at its zenith. For those whose size aligns precisely with this garment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease do not let this encounter pass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VIEUX ET NOUVEAU","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47065162481842,"sku":"T0283","price":0.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0554\/2140\/3314\/files\/202505030533.jpg?v=1771203644","url":"https:\/\/vieuxetnouveau-shop.com\/en\/products\/90s-old-ballantyne-pure-cashmere-argyle-pattern-crew-neck-sweater-size-48-harrods","provider":"VIEUX ET NOUVEAU","version":"1.0","type":"link"}