Our Story
A sustainable cashmere accessories brand
Oats & Rice founder Shiyi created the company in 2015, short after graduating from Winchester School of Art in the UK. She threw herself into the traditional textile business with outpouring curiosity and passion. In the Kawashima Textile School in Kyoto, she studied kasuri (ikat) weaving technique. She also trained under a watchful eye of a Japanese shifu weaving master to grasp the art of turning paper into thread.
Her textile journey took her to Inner Mongolia, where she envisioned the sustainable cashmere supply chain we use today.
“I simply wish my creations age gracefully and eventually are repurposed, for the precious yarn to turn full circle.”
Subtle and refined design
Nuanced sensory experience
When we design our patterns, we think how harmonious they will be with your wardrobe. We don’t want them hidden, neither do we want them to stand out. We take pride in elevating classics, giving them a more alluring look.
Unobtrusive beauty is what we stand for. We love versatile patterns and adopt various weaving techniques to achieve unique textures, to create something unusual. You can see this principle in action while browsing through our collection of cashmere scarves. Finest cashmere is a luxurious sensory experience, our designs play with it to elicit happy and calm feelings of comfort. Every piece we create serves this purpose.
“Simplicity, carried to extreme, becomes elegance.”
– Jon Franklin
Ethical production in Inner Mongolia
Textile is much more than just the end product. There are many local communities involved in different stages of production. From collecting the raw fibre, spinning the yarn, dyeing it, to finally weaving a remarkable piece.
We are thoughtful of the whole process and strive to have the minimum possible impact on the natural environment. We support fair trade with skilful local makers and aim to preserve regional craftsmanship and traditions.
“Our love for natural fibre has led us on the path of building a sustainable supply chain with local communities and animal welfare in mind.”
