Lexton jacket from Merino Snug

Last winter in July, when Blackheath was devastated by hurricane-force winds and there was no power or heating for four long days, it was possum/merino that kept me warm. As a result I’ve become an even bigger fan of this cosy fabric.

This season at Ravir our customers have an even wider choice of colours and styles. The striped Lexton jacket (pictured) is my favourite. It’s a stylish cosy wrap with none of the drawbacks of a shawl or poncho. My other big favourite is the Euston shawl jumper which has already been a big hit. Great for those who love a V neck, and the colours are great – we’re waiting on more of the red, navy and grape.

 From MKM/Native World the men’s possum lined wool jackets and jumpers combine a rugged wool outer with the warmth of possum. In women’s we’ve continued the popular ‘Organic’ style jumper in a range of colours, plus zip up vests and cardigans, and the poncho which keeps selling out as fast as we get it back in.

The combination of Australian merino wool and New Zealand possum fur produces a luxurious and superior fibre which is softer, lighter and warmer than any natural fibre previously produced. It’s durable, washes well and is resistant to pilling (rubbing). Research also shows that due to the hollow nature and exceptional thermal properties of possum fibre, these garments are up to 55 per cent warmer than merino.

Ravir in Blackheath carries jumpers, beanies, gloves, scarves and ponchos made from possum and merino, as well as an extensive range of winter wear for men and women.

Already the shop has been transformed with luscious knits from Moda Immagine, Zaket and Plover, Toorallie and others. There are some beautiful cotton knits as well from Canadian designer PURE which teams its hand-knit pieces with cotton jerseys from Neon Buddha.

Rasaleela has excelled this year with beautiful Japanese patterned tunics. And the stock from Inti which features an incredibly soft cotton slub in dresses, tops and jackets has really hit the deck running. To feel it is to love this fabric – we’ve already placed a second order.

Then there are the beautiful layers from Mesop, Vigorella and Zavarucci, each with distinctive styling and colours. Zavarucci is a New Zealand label which we’re featuring for the first time this season. Mesop and Vigorella are both made in Melbourne.

Another addition to this stable is Layer’d, also made inMelbourne. The great thing about Layer’d is the fact that their designs feature fabric made from fine merino and Egyptian cotton – not a skerrick of synthetic to be found. Keep an eye on this label – my instinct is that it’s right on the mark.

And did I almost forget the possum? It’s been selling well since January, and a big new shipment is due to arrive. Our possum and merino garments always attract favourable comment – the prices are reasonable and the styles and colours keep getting better. Best of all, this combination of fibres is incredibly warm yet light to wear ­­- perfect for winter in the mountains.

If you’re thinking about your winter wardrobe, try and visit in the next few weeks so you have the best choice of styles and colours.

The Urdi Liza coat comes in black and white dot, espresso dot, retail$119

In Blackheath it rains so much, I just can’t live without a good raincoat. Fortunately there are some fabulous styles from a Swedish company named Didriksons, which are well-made, stylish and a good length for serious wet weather. They’re great for the mountains or the city. We’ve been selling these raincoats for the past year and have never had a problem. In fact only last weekend a young woman from Wellington in New Zealand bought one to take home. She, like so many other women, couldn’t find something both practical and stylish.
There are several styles to choose from. The Liza (pictured in espresso dot) is our most popular style, and comes in sizes from 36-44 (European sizing), the equivalent of 8-14/16, RRP $119. The same style in plain red or plum retails for $99.

The Urdi Thelma is a step-up in style, it comes in black and midnight, retails for $249

The Thelma (pictured in midnight blue) is a step-up in style. It retails for $249. From what I’ve heard from our supplier, it outsells the Liza because it suits every body and fits like a dream. We’ve just ordered it in khaki and midnight to give it a trial.

The Hanna is similar to the Liza, but is double breasted. $119 dots, $99 plain black

The Hanna is similar to the Liza, except it’s double breasted. This is a really handy feature, as it allows you to vary the thickness beneath it. In other words, you can wear thick winter woollies and button up singly, or in warmer weather with lighter clothing, you can wear it as double-breasted. The Hanna also comes in size 46 (16-18) for the larger frame. Pricing is same as for the Liza, $119 for the dots, $99 for the plain black.

To enquire about stock available, call us on  02 4787 5045 (int’l +61 2 4787 5045), or email info@ravir.com.au. We’re happy to send by post,postage cost $9 Australia-wide.

Tani chemise

Many of our regular customers are already familiar with Tani garments. Tani is such a great range – soft, silky smooth, and made from beechwood fibre which means it’s breathable. Just as important is the price.
Leggings start from $39, the 3/4 sleeve scoop is $55, and the relax pant is $69.

We’ve been selling Tani for the past three or four years, and in that time it’s developed a phenomenal following. Women who buy the garments generally come back for more. The fabric is trans-seasonal, and can be worn both summer and winter. It can also be dressed up for evening.

The chemise at left is a great example. It can be worn in summer with a short sleeve tee and leggings, or in winter over a fine merino polo or scoop, and with the Tani relax pant or wool leggings and boots. It’s also fabulous to sleep in – better than most nighties.

Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.
What you held in your hand,
what you counted and carefully saved,
all this must go so you know
how desolate the landscape can be
between the regions of kindness.
How you ride and ride
thinking the bus will never stop,
the passengers eating maize and chicken
will stare out the window forever.

Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness,
you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho
lies dead by the side of the road.
You must see how this could be you,
how he too was someone
who journeyed through the night with plans
and the simple breath that kept him alive.

Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,
you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
You must wake up with sorrow.
You must speak to it till your voice
catches the thread of all sorrows
and you see the size of the cloth.

Then it is only kindness that makes any sense anymore,
only kindness that ties your shoes
and sends you out into the day to mail letters and purchase bread,
only kindness that raises its head
from the crowd of the world to say
It is I you have been looking for,
and then goes with you everywhere
like a shadow or a friend.

-Naomi Shihab Nye