CASHMERE is a winter staple for the truly stylish and Madonna, Michelle Pfeiffer, Liv Tyler and Jemima Khan get their favourite pieces from Scotland-based label Queene and Belle. The duo behind the brand, Doreen Keen and Angela Bell, are both ex-Pringle designers who decided to set up their company seven years ago through their shared love of cashmere. "We felt that there was a gap in the market for a new niche luxury cashmere brand which had an artistic approach," explains Keen. "We wanted to design timeless, quirky, individual pieces, which have their own 'jewel like' quality and would appeal to people with a great sense of individual style and an appreciation of artisan techniques. The reaction to the label has been extremely positive - we have a lot of clients who are collectors of our sweaters." Forget twinsets and pearls - a Queene and Belle girl is more likely to team her cashmere sweater with a leather jacket, Chanel micro-mini and biker boots. Keen and Bell embellish their creations - which range from signature sweaters to pure silk slip dresses - with vintage ribbons, lace, buttons and beads sourced from around Europe, and each limited-run design is hand finished with a sequined kilt-pin motif. They're never short of ideas for modernising what is often considered a 'heritage' look. "For this season, dressage jodhpurs with cute ankle split detailing look fabulous with our cardis and graphic sweaters," says Bell. "We have been buying men's cravats in strong stripe combinations and classic dots - they make great neck scarves and belts. We have also been making vibrant reworked vintage bead necklaces in red glass, amber and jade. Various strings of these necklaces worn together can totally transform the simplest of daytime or evening looks." With loungewear in the pipeline and a new range of Zodiac-inspired scarves hitting the shelves in time for the big chill, you'll be spoiled for choice; head to Harvey Nichols, Liberty or Matches to indulge. (October 22 2007, AM)

Leisa Barnett