The cardigan sweater is named after James Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan, infamous for his Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean war. Initial press events told of the Earl’s heroic charge and merchants, even in those times, were quick to design and sell a knitted waistcoat supposedly worn by the Earl as he led his regiment on horseback. Ironically, the 7th Earl was known for his sharp dress. Earlier in his military career, as part of his belief that clothes help make the man, and with his own money, he purchased new uniforms of particular sartorial splendor for his entire regiment.

Some 200 years later, the cardigan still exists as an indelible part of our cultural heritage. No longer connoted with the military, it’s often most closely tied to the nostalgic feel of the 1950’s. Today, we know a cardigan as a knit sweater buttoned, tied or zipped in the front. From Irish fishermen to Mister Rogers and Marilyn Monroe to Michelle Obama, the cardigan has served us well. It complements both men and women. It’s functional, easy to take on or off, easy to open up when things get warm and button down when things cool off. It's flexible, depending on the design, it can be casual, hip, elegant, even demure. It’s foundational, layers well, adds versatility to a wardrobe, and never goes out of fashion.

Of course, alpaca is particularly well-suited to the cardigan: lightweight, breathable, stylish, soft, warm, long-lasting, luxurious, alpaca cardigans are a must have in any wardrobe. And this year’s Kuna collection is no exception, containing a selection of which even the 7th Earl would be proud.

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