Tse has his say

CASHMERE can conjure visions of country club matrons in pearls and a pastel twin-set - but designer Augustine Tse is challenging this stodgy image.

Tse (pronounced say) has already established himself in the United States with five stores, including one on New York's famous Madison Avenue. His Hong Kong based company Tse Cashmere is also planning to begin manufacturing in Italy.

The secret behind Tse's success is his designs - simple and chic, spare and luxurious. Hues replace the usual chalky colours associated with cashmere.

Charcoal and taupe, olive, seaweed and pumice are more the sort of palette you'll find from Tse, and of course black is featured heavily.

Modern lines, good fabric and accessible prices have made Tse a favourite among fashion insiders since their inception in 1989.

His new collection includes some woven fabric, which, according to Tse, is a two-layered fabric . . . 100 per cent silk on the inside and ultra-fine cashmere on the outside. Cashmere knits made up the bulk of the collection, however, and stayed true to Tse's minimalist form.