Los Angeles based CO2 Cashmere combines chic, glamorous, sexy, and silky smooth texture on cashmere.  CO2 has pioneered the use of 100% cashmere in its line, making it youthful with innovative designs and prints, yet elegant and classic with cardigans, crew neck sweaters, tunics, hoodies, cashmere and leather handbags, leather belts, and t-shirts. CO2's creator and lead designer, Pascal Benouaiche, gives Joonbug an exclusive insight into the brand and what inspires his designs.

How did the idea of CO2 manifest? What does the CO2 mean?

PB: Well, my mother is a fashion designer and artist so I grew up in a very creative environment. I always knew that's what I wanted to do. I started drawing and had the idea of incorporating my designs with clothing.  What "C02" means?  It's a long story... Not sure if you want to hear it now...

What is your inspiration?

PB: I travel a lot. I get inspired by new places and cultures. I'm fascinated by the palette and style of Mediterranean countries.   I use warm and rich colors in my designs. Also, women... I'm inspired by a woman's strength and vulnerability.  This is something I try to recreate in textures, by mixing leather and cashmere.  Likewise, the colors are bold, but the silhouette remains curvy and feminine.

Do you design all the items yourself?

Yes.

What is your favorite part about conceptualizing a design?

PB: When I create a collection, it's like a blur of ideas that are not cohesive... the story is built, but I only see it when the fatigue kicks in after weeks of no sleep... This is the time where I see the upcoming collection coming together.

Why do you use cashmere?

PB: It's a fabric that is very sensual to me. It feels very noble. I am very familiar with it. There are many counts and gauges and cashmere is normally seen as a very complicated fabric to work with (just like women!). This intricacy motivates me.

What are some future plans to extend CO2? A retail store perhaps?

PB: We're about to launch a new perfume. We're just working on a few details about the bottle design. Our online store is a great success ... we're contemplating the idea of a retail store.

What city or country should we expect such CO2 fabulousness next?

PB: France.  We're already well-established in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and England so it seems like a natural progression for us.

Shall we expect an expansion of other CO2 Lines? Handbags? Men's?

PB: We do have already a new handbag line made with 100% Cashmere and leather.  The concept is interesting and we've had some positive feedback. We have a men's line too and it's actually pretty popular. 8 GauGg was created to offer something to everyone. 8GauGg is geared for a younger customer where the prints look more like tattoos versus the cashmere "touch" line prints that look more like art.

I heard CO2 develops some of its own fabrics - elaborate.

PB: We mix 100% cashmere with Spandex and Lycra. We also mix cashmere with other fabrics to accentuate the luxurious feel and a variety of softness.

What stores do you sell to?

PB: Saks Fifth Avenue, Fred Segal, Planet Blue, Theodore, H. Lorenzo and more.....

What celebs have you attracted?

PB: Halle Barry, Tori Spelling, Kate Moss, Kristen Bell, L.L. Cool J, Daryl Hannah, Kerry Washington, Vanessa Williams,  and Bai Ling just to a few. And Larry King as well!

Who is your favorite designer?

PB: Jean Paul Gaultier. He's very creative. I love his bold mix of colors.

How is CO2 Cashmere more than a lifestyle?

PB: It's about identity and uniqueness.  Each piece is a personal work of art.

What magazines do you read?

PB: French Vogue is always on my desk and the Harper's Bazaar