ROYL Fashion Files

Cashmere Cape

Welcome to your new essential. Our cashmere cape is spun from Loro Piana cashmere, woven in Italy and dyed in ROYL’s exclusive deep navy shade. The length of the cape hits perfectly at mid-thigh, keeping you covered with just the right amount of fabric. Paramount to all ROYL pieces is the craftsmanship; the European attention to detail in our cape is inherent to its beauty and understated sophistication, with thoughtful features like open sleeves to allow for movement and ease.

The cape, or cloak, has been an elemental wardrobe staple for centuries, with the first cited record in an illustration dating back to 1066. There is some truth as to why superheroes wear capes; back then, they were worn for protection. Today, whether enrobed by a superhero or mere mortal, they continue to be in style and for very good reason. The ease of a swath of fabric that drapes, provides comfort and warmth, and yes, protection, makes the cape an integral part of any well-curated closet.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CAPE

While we can credit victorian era versions of capes for adding a fashionable flair to this humble workhorse, modern-day fashion houses and icons are also to thank for keeping the cape stylish and cool. Burberry was a pioneer in the modern-day cape with their classic outerwear, while The Row has been serving up decadent evening silk versions for the past decade. Brunello Cucinelli made a name for himself in the cape world with fringed shawls, and SACAI for their utilitarian mixed capes.

As for ROYL, Olivia Pope -- the fictional character played by Kerry Washington on Shonda Rhimes’ Scandal -- incited much of the inspiration and drama behind our cashmere cape. The red carpet also served as inspiration, delivering styles worn by Gwenyth Paltrow (Tom Ford), Kate Hudson (Versace), Emily Blunt (Prada), and Lupita Nyong’o (Ralph Lauren). But capes aren’t just for marvel characters and red carpet affairs; Olivia Palermo in Burberry and Meryl Streep in Lukas' street style is enough to take the luxury of ROYL's apres day looks out on the town.