What is the world famous Pashmina

The art of Pashmina is world famous for centuries. It all started in Kashmir, a quaint village in North India. However, it grew up to cast its shadow on the entire world. Pashmina art is responsible for bringing into the world of luxury fashion some opulent shawls, scarves, and wraps. A Pashmina wrap is a fine, soft, and timeless accessory that originates from Kashmir, North India. Pashmina wraps have been existing since the 15th century in Kashmir, and rule the world of timeless fashion till now. Fine craftsmanship, immense warmth, and the most elegant looks are what Pashmina wraps exhibit.

What is the world-famous Pashmina?

making of pashmina — Crafting of Pashmina

Pashmina is an art, the art of transforming raw Cashmere wool into luxuriously beautiful wraps, shawls, sweaters, and accessories. Firstly, a manual acquisition of Cashmere wool takes place, where a rare goat species grows it as a down fibre. In the Spring season, the goat sheds its down fibre as a result of hormonal changes. Herders now collect and clean it. Raw Cashmere is later sent for processing. Artisans hand spin and hand weave it into fabric. This fine and immensely fine and smooth fabric are, hence, used to handcraft wraps and apparel mostly.

Also read: PASHMINA BELONGS TO THE CLAN OF ORIGINALITY

History of this world-famous art form

It was in the 15th century when the discovery of raw Cashmere in Ladakh chnaged the world of fashion. Even though Cashmere is found in many parts of the world, the one from Ladakh is the finest; the best quality. This high-quality Cashmere is put into use to make world-class Pashmina wraps, which are exported to the entire world.

It was the 15th century when a Saint from Persia visited Kashmir. He discovered this heavenly soft and warm wool in Ladakh. He ordered craftsmen to craft socks from this fine wool type and gifted the same to the then king of Kashmir. King Zain ul Abideen was highly impressed. He, hence, ordered operating and processing units of the wool to be set up in the valley

Types of Pashmina Wraps

Pashmina wraps can be of many types, depending on the requirement of a patron. Even though it started as traditional wear, and most of these wraps would have embroidery over them, present times demand modish fashion. Hence Pashmina evolved and contemporary accessories came into existence with huge changes in their appearance.

Also read: GLORY OF THE PREMIUM CASHMERE

Traditionally woven wraps are of three main types

Embroidered Wraps

embroidered pashmina shawl — The intricate zari hand embroidery features several peacocks singing the words of Pashmina Art

Motifs embroidered using Fine Thread and needle over delicate wraps look absolutely ethereal. Embroidered wraps at times take years to complete

Aksi Do Rukha

do-rukha pashmina shawl — From the era of saints to the epoch of modernity, the unique blend of heritage and culture prevails

An extraordinarily luxurious version of hand embroidered Pashmina wraps is the Do Rukha wraps. In these, the embroidery over a wrap is done in such a way that the motifs of one side are a mirror image of the other one. These wraps are the most luxurious and expensive Pashminas.

Kani woven wraps

kani pashmina shawl — Finna - a handcrafted Kani shawl, accentuated by the 18th century Paisley motifs to grace your winter looks with a regal charm

Colourful threads are wound around wooden sticks, and these threads are step by step introduced into the warps of Cashmere, during the weaving process. This creates colourful motifs in the final Pashmina wrap. These wraps take a few years to complete.

Kalamkari wraps

kalamkari pashmina — Capturing the age old techniques of shawl making, Zunair is a Kalamkari shawl, where large motifs have been hand painted onto the base for an ethereal effect

These wraps are hand painted in exquisite designs, with the help of a large brush and non-chemical dyes. Later the motifs can be outlined with embroidery.

Also read: KASHMIRI SHAWLS DURING THE DOGRA PERIOD

Contemporary wraps are of the following patterns

Since the advent of modish designs in every aspect of fashion, Pashmina wraps too took them gracefully and carried these really well. Never is a modern Pashmina wrap anywhere less than a traditional one. Some contemporary designs in Pashmina are:

Printed wraps

printed cashmere wrap — Handwoven traditionally over a wooden handloom, the wrap accentuates multicoloured patterns of Indian flora and fauna amongst a warm hued base

In vogue prints like floral, animal prints, customized prints, kaleidoscopic or abstract prints are now seen commonly on Pashmina wraps. These wraps are ideal for casual meet-ups, or cozying up an at-home working place. These are perfect gifts for teenage girls or millennial age groups.

Patterned wraps

patterned cashmere wrap — Handcrafted from the finest threads of pure Ladakhi Cashmere, Rukhsaar secretly engulfs you in its warmth

Chic patterns like stripes, plaids, checks, and abstract patterns are common in Pashmina wraps today. These too, like printed wraps, are ideal for a casual walk in fall or winter. Modish patterned wraps in pastels and nudes are a perfect office accessory.

Ombre Dyed wraps

ombre pashmina — Handwoven over a wooden handloom in a modish pattern of ombre, this shawl accommodates colours of nature

The semi-formal favourite Ombre dyed Pashmina wraps is another category of Pashmina wraps. These wraps consist of two or three shades with an ombre pattern. They look amazing with winter and fall ensembles, formal wear, semi-formal apparel, as well as casual outfits.

Laced wraps

lace cashmere wrap — The wrap features hand stitched French Chantilly lace which covers the wrap in an effeminate fashion

A dream come true for brides as well as bridesmaids. Pashmina wraps are, at times, embellished with French laces. Tone on tone or contrasting Laces are hand stitched to Pashmina wraps. These wraps are even more graceful and dainty.

Swarovski crystal wraps

swarovski studded pashmina shawl — Featuring a play of brilliant Swarovski crystals over an intense brown shade, here is the world famous Pashmina in a voguishly handcrafted wrap

An exclusive edit of modish Pashmina wraps hosts the charm of Swarovski crystals. The crystals spread all over the underlying gossamer base. Ideal for semi-formal and wedding occasions, Swarovski crystal Pashmina wraps are a treat to look at and experience.

Pashmina wraps are versatile. Women wear these with ethnic as well as western apparel . In addition to that, there are a large number of stylish ways to wear them. Such an accessory is a must-have for ardent fashion lovers.

Also read: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PASHMINA SHAWLS?