Towards the valley of Kashmir، a serene breeze travelled across the heritage long held on the pages of culture. The Craft of Pashmina is one-of-a-kind traditional craft of Kashmir. Gracefully acknowledged in the Valley of Kashmir with high-end craftsmanship and legacy. The centuries old Pashmina serve the beauty of richness through the scenes of Kani Weaving. There are diverse masterpieces in Pashmina Craft including wraps, shawls and scarves. In the style of Cashmere Scarves, a definite beauty of Kani Cashmere Scarf redefine the legacy of Pashmina Craft.

Royals have admired the weaving of Kani for centuries. From merchants, traders, british royal courts to high-class people, Kani Weaving is an established style in Pashmina Craft. Further, Josephine, Napolean Bonaparte's wife had a collection of 400 Kani Pashmina Shawl. The admiration defined further by Indian royals including Mughals especially Akbar. He was a pioneer of Art and Craft. Enthralled with Pashmina Craft, he adorned his royal court with the masterpieces of Kani Weaving.

Procuring the finest Cashmere

Ladakhi Cashmere, the finest Cashmere wool all over the world is obtained from Changra Goats. These goats dwell near the foothills of Changthangi where the temperature goes to -50°C in winter. The goats develop a special fine wool over their bodies to protect themselves from cold. Eventually, seasons change and the sunshine of spring foregathers around. The Changra Goats shed off the thick wool in order to relive the breeze of spring. Further, the herders of Changpa tribe manually comb out the excess wool. This wool all efficiently packed in small packets to transfer to the valley of Kashmir.

Craft of Pashmina

Pashmina Craft begins as soon as the Cashmere wool opened from the packets and given to the cleaners of the valley. The Cashmere wool all thoroughly cleaned with clear water to sustain the softness. Further, the wool is dried in natural and sorted. The finest of the wool further transferred to the households of the valley for the process of Spinning. Spinning is the transformation of finest wool to Cashmere yarns on a wooden wool, yinder. The women of the households spindle the wool on yinder and the finest yarns are obtained. Pashmina craft has empowered women for centuries. Therefore, at pashmina.com we revive the age-old traditions processes to empower the women of the Valley.

Furthermore, the spun yarns efficiently transformed to Cashmere fabric in the workshops or karkhanas by the process of Weaving. Mainly done by th master weavers on the handlooms set up at karkhanas. Thus, they weave the warps and wefts with the luxurious yarns of Cashmere.

Crafting of a Kani Cashmere Scarf

In weaving of Kani Cashmere Scarf, after the process of spinning, the Cashmere yarns efficiently dyed by local dyers in diverse hues and tones. These yarns, further whirled over a wooden stick made of "poss tul". These sticks are called "kanis". Around 70 to 100 sticks used to craft a single Kani Cashmere Scarf. Master weavers follow a graphical visual called "taleem" of diverse designs to craft warps and wefts accordingly. It takes about several months to years to craft a single Kani Cashmere Scarf. The versatile designs and motifs all woven across the handloom by the magical rhymes of Taleem.

Sustainable and tradition fashion of Kani Cashmere Scarf

Crafting of a Kani Cashmere Scarf is a highly sophisticated and diligent process. The beauty from procuring till the weaving, each process gracefully sustain the nature. The traditional Kani weaving from Kanihama enthralls the fashion with its blooming designs. The intricacy of each design cater to the sustainable fashion through the manual crafting. At each step, the concept of ethical process and slow fashion is considered. Kani Cashmere Scarf, a testament of luxury and can be kept for generations to come. Pashmina Craft revives itself by preserving the masterpieces withing the legacy of treasures.

History of Pashmina Craft

Pashmina handicraft, given as a skill to the people of Kashmir by the craftsmen of Persia who were accompanying the saint called Mir Syed Ali Hamdani. He was a mystic who travelled to the world to preach Islam. While travelling to Kashmir, the saint landed in Ladakh. Astonished to see the species of Goats at the feet of Changthangi mountain, as the wool they owned was the softest and finest. He combed out the wool from the goat and crafted a pair of socks from it. Therefore, he gifted a pair of socks to the ruler of Kashmir, and his craftsman gifted the skill of crafting to the people of Kashmir.

Also read: Reviving the age-old Pashmina Shawl

Geographic Identification

The authenticity of Kani Cashmere Scarf is an embodiment of luxury. We, at pashmina.com serve you with high-quality Kani Pashmina masterpieces described with GI (Geographic Identification) authentication from the Ministry of Textiles to ensure the premium properties of Hand-woven and Hand-Spun. Also, several diverse processes meticulously observed to authenticate each masterpieces. They ensure through examination that the Kani Cashmere Scarf is hand-spun and hand-woven in Kanihama. In addition, they provide the authentication certificate called GI by testing each masterpiece exclusively through technical procedures.

A geographical indentification (GI) is a symbol of purity and authenticity attached to products that come from a specific geographical origin. To get a GI for Kani, a specific sign used to identify a scarf having its manufacturing in the village of Kanihama, Kashmir. Moreover, geographical identification enables the craftsmanship of Kanihama to only have the right to manufacture which means no third party can be applicable to manufacture the product. Moreover, the GI authentication of Pashmina efficiently performed by Pashmina Testing & Quality Certification Centre, Craft Development Institute (CDI) located in Srinagar. Also, the certification further given after proper testing examining every Kani Pashmina.

Also read: Luxury fashion of a Lace Pashmina Shawl

By cherishing the meadows of Kashmir Valley through the breeze of rivers, one finds tranquility in its existence. With its existence, heritage, and traditions serve the valley with a being of luxury destination. History has found many instances when Pashmina Craft has adorned the royals with its own luxury of crafting. The luxury is crafted manifold with the embellishments of Swarovski Crystals. These are the luxury beads, quite appealing and opulent. Artisans embellish the Cashmere Scarves with these high-end and expensive Swarovski Crystals to craft a treasure of brilliance and opulence to craft the Swarovski Crystals Cashmere Scarf

Procuring the Finest Ladakhi Cashmere

Finest Ladakhi Cashmere is procured from Changra Goats. These goats live near the foothills of Changthangi Mountain. The temperature at the foothill goes to -50°C due to high altitude. The Changra Goats develop a thick wool in the winter season to protect themselves from the harsh cold. When seasons change and spring arrives, the goats shed off the excess wool from their bodies. Also, the herders manually comb out the excess wool from the goats. This wool is Cashmere wool. Packed in small packets and transferred to the valley of Kashmir for Pashmina Crafting.

Pashmina Crafting in Kashmir

The craft of Pashmina begins in the valley of Kashmir. The small packets of Cashmere wool reach Kashmir from Ladakh. The local cleaners thoroughly clean the Cashmere wool. Further, the wool is sorted, and the best of the wool is transferred to the households of the valley. The womenfolk transform the Cashmere wool into Cashmere yarns on a wooden wheel, yinder. This process is called spinning. Women have been empowered by the Pashmina Craft for centuries.
After the process of spinning, fine Cashmere yarns are taken to the handlooms set up in workshops or karkhanas. Further, master weavers weave the Cashmere yarn into a Cashmere scarf. The Cashmere Scarf crafted is highly luxurious and fine.

Crafting of a Swarovski Crystals Cashmere Scarf

It starts with the procuring of the finest Cashmere to the hand-weaving of the Cashmere yarns to specific dimensions of a Cashmere Scarf. Further, the Cashmere Scarves are dyed by local dyers or Rangurs. They dye the Cashmere Scarves with azo-free dyes. Thus, enhancing the sustainability. Also, retaining and preserving the finest nature of the Cashmere Scarves. Distinct hues are given to the Cashmere Scarves. Further, artisans embellish the Cashmere Scarves with the luxurious Swarovski Crystals. Artisans hand-embellish with diligence and precision. Thus, the crystals complement each shade, and a masterpiece of a Swarovski Crystals Cashmere Scarf is crafted.

History of Pashmina Craft

Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, a saint from Persia, was travelling to the Valley of Kashmir to preach the holy message of Islam. He was accompanied by his 700 craftsmen. He took up an abode near Ladakh while travelling. Moreover, he observed a rare species of Goats with soft and fine wool. Amazed to see such kind of fine wool, he combed some out from a goat and made a pair of socks. Further, after he reached Kashmir, he gifted the pair of socks to the ruler of the valley. By knowing the close proximity between Ladakh and Kashmir, he suggested making an industry to craft fine wool. His craftsmen taught people of Kashmir the skill of crafting this fine wool. Therefore, the saint named the wool as pashm, meaning "gold threads", or "king of fibres". Therefore, the craft is said to be called Pashmina Craft.

Tale of Swarovski Crystals

Daniel Swarovski founded a company that crafted Swarovski crystals from glass in 1895 in Wattens. He was the son of a glass cutter who owned a small glass cutting site in a village in Bohemia. Daniel Swarovski learned the skill of glass cutting from his father and has a vision to craft a diamond, a high-quality crystal, affordable to all classes. Moreover, Swarovski Crystals paved its way to fashion by collaborating with high-end brands from the very beginning. Further, the crystals became one of the high-quality crystals in the Fashion industry. Today, the company is run by its 5th generation of the Swarovski family, and they define the high-end sophistication, craftsmanship, and maintain innovation and quality.

Ways to wear a Swarovski Crystals Cashmere Scarf

• Take your Swarovski Crystals Cashmere Scarf and drape it around your neck، fold it around, and make a knot. It showcases all the crystals curled up near the knot, redefining luxury all over your presence
• All you have to do is take your Swarovski Crystals Cashmere Scarf and drape it around your body covering your shoulders and arms. This look provides warmth as well as scattered elegance all over. Thus, showcasing such an aura of luxury embellishment of Swarovski Crystals
• Take your Swarovski Crystals Cashmere Scarf and let it cover your head by folding it horizontally. Place the scarf on your head and take one end, and throw it on the opposite shoulder. This look provides boho as well as an elegant fashion look, catering to a wide array of fashionistas
• Take your Swarovski Crystals Cashmere Scarf and drape it on either of the shoulders and let it be there. You can add a brooch to add a touch of sophistication to the luxurious look
• Take your Swarovski Crystals Cashmere Scarf and fold it lengthwise. Place it over your neck in a way that one end is on one shoulder and the other end is on the other shoulder. This is the classy look providing warmth to the neck and defining elegance to the attire.

Also read: Pashmina: Men’s Cashmere Scarf

Reflecting the beauty of legacy from handicrafts reaching the skies of heritage. The authenticity of each testifies that a masterpiece is a legacy of traditions. Kani Pashmina Shawl, a one-of-a-kind luxury crafted in Kanihama in the valley of Kashmir. A mark of authentication (GI), a token attached to products that come from a specific geographical origin of a particular country. The product has a quality about its origin. To get a GI, a particular sign efficiently used to identify a Kani Pashmina Shawl having its manufacturing in Kanihama. In addition, the properties and characteristics of the Kani Pashmina Shawl are all due to its place of origin. Moreover, geographical identification (GI) enables the craftsmanship of the place to have the right to manufacture. Thus, giving the craftsman of Kanihama a structure for livelihood.

The GI authentication of Kani Pashmina is performed by Pashmina Testing & Quality Certification Centre, Craft Development Institute (CDI) located in Srinagar. A lab managed by the Government of India meticulously. The certification is given after proper testing examining every Kani Pashmina masterpiece.

Procuring the finest Cashmere

When winter sprinkles over the plateau of Changthangi, the habitat is affected. To cope with the harsh habitat, the Changra Goats who reside near the foothills develop a thick wool layer. This wool protect the goats from cold season. Eventually, seasons change and spring arrives with the breeze of calmness. Therefore, the goats shed off the excess wool to relieve themselves of the warm wool. Also, the Changpa herders manually comb out the wool by taking several ethical practices to sustain the softness and authenticity of the rich wool.

Crafting of a Kani Pashmina Shawl

Crafting begins when the small packets from Changthangi reach the valley of Kashmir. The packets further given to the local cleaners to thoroughly clean the thick wool. The wool is highly soft and fine, therefore, ethically cleaning it makes it even softer. Further, the wool all sorted and moved to the next step of spinning. Spinning is the process of transforming Cashmere wool into Cashmere yarns. The wool all spun on a wooden wheel called a yinder by local women. They are the master spinners have been in the craft for centuries. Thus, the craft elevated women empowerment for ages now.

Kani Weaving

After the process of spinning, the weaving begins. The intricate weaving starts with the grace of legacy of Kanihama. A particular number of Kanis are used for the weaving of one Kani shawl. Around 70 to 100 Kanis all used up for the design of one Kani Pashmina Shawl. The whole process meticulously done mainly in the local workshops/Karkhanas. Also, the arrangement of the Kanis on the shawls and the high skill of artisans perform meticulously to create the intricate designs. The weaving gracefully done and when a different colour or shade is assigned as per the Taleem, two Kanis are used together. Likewise, the process continues with diligence until the Kani Pashmina Shawl is prepared.

History of Pashmina Craft

The history dates back to 13th century. A Saint from Middle East with his 700 craftsmen was travelling towards the Valley of Kashmir. While landing near the terrain of Ladakh, a species of goats mesmerized him. The soft wool over the bodies of the wool made him rethink the beauty of finest wool. He combed out some and crafed a pair of socks. Further, he gifted the socks to the ruler of Kashmir and his craftsmen gifted the legacy of Pashmina Crafting.

The people of Kashmir learnt the Craft and reach a zenith of remarkable legacy of Pashmina in Kashmir. Kashmir became a part of Pashmina and Pashmina became a part of Kashmir's long history of heritage.

Pashmina Craft history and Kani Pashmina

The craft of Pashmina has reigned in the beauty of Kashmir since the 13th century. It is a gift from the saint of Persia who discovered the rare species of Goats in Chanthangi. He entailed the luxury of Pashmina Craft in Kashmir. Mir Syed Ali Hamdani visited Ladakh and observed a goat near the terrain. Mesmerized by its soft wool, he combed out the wool and made a pair of socks. Further, gifted the pair of socks to the ruler and the craft to the people.

Afterwards, the royals adorned the Craft of Pashmina. It is an art form that has endured for centuries, leaving its legacy all over the world, including among European aristocrats and merchants. For centuries, Europeans were the largest owners of Pashmina accessories. French empress Josephine owned more than 300 Kani Pashmina Shawls from Kashmir to complement her beauty with luxury.

Legacy of a Kani Pashmina Shawl

The Kani Pashmina Shawl is an epitome of luxury, highly identified with its intricate weaving. The weaving of a Kani Pashmina Shawl, a tale woven by the chirps of handlooms. The rich craftsmanship of each masterpiece of Kani Pashmina reflects a tale of legacy crafted for centuries near the village of Kanihama.

Each Kani Pashmina Shawl reflects a new legacy crafted in the hands of craftmanship for centuries. Kani Weaving in Pashmina has been since 3000 B.C. The word Kani comes from the word Kanihama, that comes from the word twig, Kani in Kashmiri dialect. The legacy of Kanihama merged with the heritage of Kani Pashmina Shawl define the traditions of Kashmir Valley for centuries.

Also read: Men’s Kani Pashmina - A Testament of Luxury

Long taken concept of Cashmere wool being an accessory for winter differs from what a Cashmere accessory can actually be used for. Cashmere is a natural insulator. This properly makes it different from other wools as it can keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. This basic difference between Cashmere and other wools makes a huge impact on their usage and draping. The Cashmere wool is highly luxurious and sumptuous. The wool reflects the beauty of its being through the craft of Pashmina. Further, the Craft allows for making distinct accessories that crave to be one-of-a-kind luxury. A cashmere blanket is the epitome of luxury, used for draping as an accessory as well as decor for your cozy home. Oftentimes, there is a misconception that Cashmere blankets only work well for colder seasons. We, at pashmina.com, craft the finest and softest Cashmere blankets that debunk the misconceptions altogether.

Reasons why a Cashmere blanket is a go-to for all seasons

• Lightweight Nature: The Ladakhi Cashmere procured for crafting a Cashmere blanket is highly lightweight. The nature of being the lightest due to its fine properties makes it a go-to option for summer evenings. Well, Well-defined cashmere blankets often curl up during the breezes of the summer nights.
• Breathability: The finest Cashmere fibres of 10-16 microns in diameter are highly breathable. They allow the air to circulate from within and out. Thus, creating a breathable nature all over the Cashmere blanket. Therefore, ideal for summer nights to regulate the rising temperatures
• Optimal Comfort: The luxury of a Cashmere blanket provides rich comfort whenever you drape one on your knees or shoulders. The Comfort lets you use the beauty of a Cashmere blanket all year long.
• Versatile accessory: A Cashmere Blanket is an accessory with diverse functions. It can be used as a drape of luxury or as throws for couches, chairs, and beds to enhance the elegance of decor.
• Wicks away the moisture: Cashmere Blanket is crafted from Ladakhi Cashmere. The Ladakhi Cashmere has the ability to wick away moisture from the skin due to the breathable nature of the wool. By circulating the air, it makes you sweat less and takes away the moisture to make you feel comfortable and cozy on the days of summer.

Procuring the Finest Ladakhi Cashmere

Changra goats are a rare species of goats that dwell in the harsh habitat of the Changthangi plateau. To cope with the cold season, they develop an undercoat of thick wool over their bodies. This wool is highly fine and soft. Eventually, spring comes and seasons change; they shed off the wool by rubbing against rocks and trees. Further, the herders also comb out the excess wool manually to relieve them of the warmth. The Wool is packed in small packets and sent to the Valley of Kashmir for crafting by the process of Pashmina.

Pashmina Crafting of a Cashmere Blanket

The wool packs reach the valley of Kashmir, and the craft begins. The first step is the cleaning of Cashmere wool. The local cleaners thoroughly clean the Cashmere wool and dry it naturally. Further, they sort the dried Cashmere wool and transfer the finest fibres to the households for the process of spinning.
Spinning is the transformation of Cashmere wool into Cashmere yarns on a wooden wheel, yinder. Mainly done by women in Kashmir, thus defining women's empowerment for ages. They spun the Cashmere wool on the yinder and spun the finest yarns.

Afterwards, the finest Cashmere yarns are taken to the handlooms set up at workshops or karkhanas. The Cashmere yarns are transformed into a Cashmere Blanket by the process of Weaving. Mainly done by master weavers who have woven the threads of Cashmere for generations. A Cashmere blanket is given the required dimensions of 110in x 55in/2.8m x 1.4m.

How to use a Cashmere blanket in summer?

• Choose a Lightweight Cashmere blanket: At pashmina.com, there are a variety of lightweight Cashmere blankets to be used as throws for your home decor. These Cashmere blankets are so breathable that they can be used as drapes on every day of the year.
• Choose bright colors for summer: Choosing bright colors will let you be cool in summer because the bright colored Cashmere blankets will absorb the least heat. This will ensure the coolness of each masterpiece.
• Choose the diverse designs to ensure comfort with the touch of luxury: At pashmina.com, we have two designs in Cashmere blankets with a wide range of hues and tones to complement your home. You can choose a Solid Cashmere blanket for any day of the summer, and it will add the elegance of classic decor to your cosy home. Also, it can be used as a drape to ensure a fashionable and chic look all along the summer. Moreover, you can choose a Patterned Cashmere Blanket for any elegant evening with your dress to make you feel comfy. In addition, it can be elegantly used as a throw for your sofas, couches, beds, or wooden chairs to complement the decor of your classy homes.

History of Pashmina Craft

Pashmina, the art of crafting the finest grade of Cashmere distinctly has a unique journey. It dates back to the 13th century in the Kashmir Valley of India. The footprints of a saint Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, from the middle east came to Kashmir with 700 craftsmen to adorn the beauty of the valley and to spread the holy message. The saint landed its appearance on the Changthangi Mountain in Ladakh. While perceiving nature, he locked his eyes on the goat with marvellous wool. Awestruck with the softness and fineness of the wool, he made socks out of it and gifted them to the Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen of Kashmir Valley.

Traditional Crafting of the contemporary Cashmere blanket

Crafting the finest Cashmere blanket or throw makes a statement whirling along the edges of Pashmina Craft. The rich and fine Pashmina Craft is redefined by the elegance of the Cashmere Blanket, crafted with such efficiency and sustainability. Each Cashmere blanket crafted in the cradle of Kashmir speaks of the tale of Pashmina Craft from the 13th century. Defining the authenticity with such traditional processes, the artisans craft a Cashmere blanket for months to reflect the legacy of Pashmina Craft all over the comfort of your homes. While used as a throw at your home, the coziness defines the aura of legacy curled up in the corner of your living room.

Also read: Unveiling the Exquisite Qualities of Ladakhi Cashmere

A sophisticated bloom of Pashmina Craft lies in its versatility of existing in several art forms. Beauty is signified by the threads of finest Cashmere to relish the traditions of age-old techniques. The Craft of Pashmina is diverse and incorporated traditional as well as contemporary styles to adorn the generations. With its high-end classy and elegant aura, the craft reflects beauty of amalgamating with cultures to craft the rich masterpieces. Moreover, the beauty of blending to other cultures seen through the Japanese touch of Shibori dyeing wherein rich collection of Shibori Cashmere Wrap and Shibori Pashmina Shawl are crafted.

Procuring the finest Cashmere

The high altitudes of Changthangi define the harshest winters, going to -50°C. With such low temperatures, the habitat near the foothills of the range highly adapted to the beauty of nature. The Changra goats live in this habitat by developing a thick layer of wool over their bodies to protect themselves from harsh winters. Eventually, spring arrives and they shed the excess wool by rubbing against rocks and trees. Additionally, the Changpa herders manually and ethically comb out the excess wool, and the finest Ladakhi Cashmere is procured.

Pashmina Crafting

The Craft of Pashmina reflects each tale woven and spun over the handlooms and yinders. The stories go beyond the traditions. The Craft of Pashmina begins by cleaning the tufts the wool received from Ladakh. The finest Cashmere is thoroughly cleaned by local cleaners by hand to sustain the softness of each strand. Further, the cleaned wool is meticulously dried and sorted manually, and the finest Cashmere strands are obtained for the next step.

Afterwards, the sorted Cashmere wool all taken to the households where women meticulously spin the Cashmere wool into Cashmere yarn. This process is called spinning. Thus, spinning is meticulously done by skilled women on a wooden wheel called yinder. The livelihood and empowerment of women depend on this Pashmina Craft. Therefore, all the steps are crucial for the survival of artisans across Kashmir.

Further, the Cashmere yarns are spun all taken to the workshops or karkhanas where handlooms are set up. The master weavers weave the Cashmere yarns on the handloom with diligence. Thus, producing the finest Cashmere fabric. Further, the Cashmere fabric meticulously given the required dimensions of a Shawl and an exquisite Pashmina Shawl is crafted.

Crafting a Shibori Pashmina Shawl

Pashmina Shawl is the epitome of luxury, crafted with high-end craftsmanship and legacy. Further, the Shibori dyeing techniques reflect the culture of Japanese dyeing. The pigmenting of these takes place in the sphere of the local dyer called Rangur in Kashmir. The exquisite colours all preferred with authenticity on the Pashmina Shawls to scatter an aura of luxury in every direction. Shibori technique of designing comes into play after perfecting the Pashmina Shawl on a handloom. Shibori is a Japanese manual resist dyeing technique that produces scattered patterns on a Pashmina Shawl. The technique produces numerous different patterns on the Pashmina Shawl in diverse colours. The process of the Shibori design technique has steps to create the beautiful array of patterns on the Pashmina Shawl.

Firstly, the Pashmina Shawl is gracefully folded or tied with a wooden block or clips in a pattern that the design is prescribed as. Depending on the resist-dyeing technique chosen, there is the usage of rubber bands, clips, clamps, or wooden blocks. Afterwards, the Pashmina Shawl elegantly pinned and bound off in different ways to craft the exquisite prints of Shibori. After the binding of the Pashmina Shawl, submerged into the dye bath. Also, the dyes used are skin-friendly as well as eco-friendly. In Shibori designing, several ways of tying the Pashmina Shawl all used to get the required patterned print. The patterns include cloud or floret pattern, striated pattern, and geometric shapes like triangles and squares. After the Pashmina Shawl has been dyed, all left in the natural sunshine before untying the knots.

How to wear Shibori Pashmina Shawl elegantly?

There are several ways to drape a Shibori Pashmina Shawl. At the beauty of fashion, the drapes pertain to the Craft of Pashmina as a legacy. Therefore, wearing one of the masterpieces defines and honors the Craft of Pashmina by blending it in your own way.

1. Curl up drape: All you have to do is take your Shibori Pashmina Shawl and drape it around your neck twice and leave it there curled. This drape snuggles you with warmth and luxury effortlessly. Therefore, it goes well with casual attires, formals, and even dresses.

2. Casual drape: Take your Shibori Pashmina Shawl and drape it around your body over the shoulders. Thus, this drape showcases the patterns of Shibori dyeing effortlessly. This goes well with t-shirts, casual co-ord sets, and dresses as well.

3. Aura of the head drape:
Take your Shibori Pashmina Shawl and drape it on your head, keeping one side on the shoulder. This drape provides warmth and gives you a contemporary look. Thus, it goes well with dresses and skirts.

4. One Whirl drape:

Take your Shibori Pashmina Shawl and whirl it once over the neck, and leave the two ends of the Shawl on the shoulders. Thus, this drape is a classic of all time. Goes well will suits, coats, formals, etc.

5. One Side drape:
Take your Shibori Pashmina Shawl and drape it on any one of the shoulders of your choice and leave it there to ascend luxury all over from your grace. Thus, a subtle and classic way of admiring yourself a bit more during the seasons.

Pashmina.com and Shibori Pashmina

The collection at pashmina.com redefines the legacy of Pashmina Craft by adorning it with the Shibori dyes. Also, the contemporary and classy collection adjoins the cultures of two different places, creating a new legacy altogether. Beautifully and ethically crafting each masterpiece in the cradle of Kashmir by signifying craftsmanship and sustainable fashion. Therefore, each masterpiece tells a tale of how the heritage ot Pashmina Craft gracefully revived at our platform.

Also read: Reviving the age-old Pashmina Shawl

Along the path of legacy, with hands full of heritage, Pashmina Craft have sung the songs of traditional luxury. The handicrafts preserved by humans, make a way for humans to relish them all along the journeys. With high-end handicraft of Pashmina and Luxurious French Chantilly Lace, the masterpieces crafted at pashmina.com reflect luxury from the peaks of Changthangi. The intricate Chantilly lace adorns the fine Cashmere and showcases a treasure trove of luxury to cherish the Craft of Pashmina. Fashion through the intricacy of the Chantilly lace with traditional Pashmina redefines the legacy of contemporary touches to the craft. Traditions from Chantilly adorn the heritage of Kashmir, and a masterpiece of laced Pashmina Shawl gracefully crafted under the realm of Pashmina Craft

Procuring the finest Cashmere

When the winter reach its zenith near the foothills of Changthangi, the habitat cherishes its own being. Reflecting the beauty of liveliness, the supreme journey begins. The Changra Goats, dwelling near the terrain develop a thick wool called Cashmere over their bodies. The wool produced is highly soft and warm. When spring comes, the goats shed off the wool by rubbing against rocks and bark of trees. Also, the wool is combed out by the herders by hand. It is the finest Cashmere in all the world around.

The Craft of Pashmina

The packets of Cashmere wool leave the Ladakh region to reach the valley of Kashmir. The tufts all diligently packed in small packets. The art of Pashmina caters to these tufts of Cashmere wool. Therefore, the Cashmere wool all cleaned, soaked, and dried in the sunlight to get the dirt, grime of any sort apart. Afterwards, the Cashmere wool wholly given to the households, where womenfolk spin it into fine yarn. The spinning process thus gracefully done on the wheel of wool called yinder in the local language. The women spun the Cashmere wool diligently to get the finest Cashmere yarn. All fine yarn further collected around the spindles for further processing.

Furthermore, the Cashmere yarn is taken to the local karkhanas/workshops, where several handlooms are set up. These handlooms are made of forest wood. The highly skilled artisans work upon the handlooms using their hands and feet in coordination with the process. The process of weaving involves using cashmere yarn to create warps and wefts. Thus, crafting a Pashmina Shawl.

History of Pashmina Craft

Pashmina craft was bestowed on the people of Kashmir by the Persian saint, Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, accompanied by 700 craftsmen of Persia. He was a mystic who travelled to the world to preach Islam. While travelling to Kashmir, the saint took abode in Ladakh. Astonished to see the species of Goats at the feet of Changthangi mountain, as the wool they owned was the softest and finest. Therefore, he combed out the wool from the goat and crafted a pair of socks from it.

History of Chantilly Lace

The Chantilly Lace, a hand-made lace named after the city of Chantilly, France. It is the traditional French bobbin lace crafted in the city of Chantilly. In the 17th century, the Duchesse de Longueville ordered to crafting of this lace in Chantilly due to her patronage. Chantilly city is close to Paris; therefore, this industry made a huge impact on the trading between the two. Also, the Chantilly is highly ground, finely outlined, and intricately detailed. Therefore, it became a fashion token during the rule of Louis XV and Louis XVI. With the French Revolution, it ceased to exist in Chantilly city, but further revived by Napoleon I in Normandy, a French Norman town, Bayeux, now in Belgium, with the same old techniques and designs. Therefore, it flourished throughout the world of fashion from Bayeux.

Sustainability of a Laced Pashmina Shawl

The beginning of the Craft requires the procuring of finest Ladakhi Cashmere. The procurement is solely an ethical practice to preserve animal life and support and sustain the livelihood of Changpa community. Beyond the practices, there is an age-old legacy of Ladakhi herders to procure the finest Cashmere. This has developed a keen relationship of herders to the Changra Goats.
Further, the crafting begins in the valley of Kashmir to sustain the livelihood of generations of artisans. From 13th century to the present day, Kashmiri artisans have their survival through the legacy of Pashmina Craft. Moreover, the richness of the craft is versatile and all the processes from cleaning to designing are sustainable and does not promote any defamation of this concept.

Crafting of a Laced Pashmina Shawl

Pashmina Shawl gives rise to several other styles by designing the intricacies unto themselves. The exquisite and luxurious Chantilly Lace is attached with authenticity on the Pashmina Shawl to scatter an aura of opulence in every direction. Using this luxury Lace provides the intricacy and subtlety of royal approval. After the Weaving of a simple Pashmina Shawl, the fabric is dyed by local dyers or rangurs who ethically dye the Cashmere Wrap as per requirement. Further, after drying, the Chantilly lace all cherished on the Cashmere Wrap in several ways to showcase the intricacy of the craft. The beautiful hues of Chantilly Laces complement each Pashmina Shawl with high-end luxury. The master artisans carefully and diligently make the Chantilly lace adorn the finest Pashmina Shawl. The end result is a mesmerizing piece of art which, when worn, is highly classy and graceful.

Fashion through intricacy of Laced Pashmina Shawl

In the world of intricate and modern fashion, the Laced Pashmina Shawl paved its way to be crafted meticulously. Fashion luxury defines itself over the ultimate craft of Pashmina. Through the intricacy of Chantilly Lace, a French lace highly luxurious, a divine accessory in Pashmina is crafted. Beyond the beauty of elegance, the intricate allure of each lace whirl redefines the bounties of meadows that Kashmiri Pashmina Craft bestows.

We, at pashmina.com, craft the legacy of Laced Pashmina Shawl to a genuine level of authenticity while procuring the raw materials from the native areas. Reviving the traditional Pashmina Craft by adding these tinges of contemporary fashion all cherished at our platform. Supporting the craft and craftsmanship by making ways to include sustainable concepts makes our collection one-of-a-kind.

Also read: 7 ways to wear your Pashmina Shawl differently

Surrounded by the beauty of mountains and lakes, the valley has been cherished through the ages. The beauty of Pashmina Craft reflects the uniqueness. Reviving the richness of fine cashmere with the help of ethical practices and sustainable concepts. The true grace of each masterpiece of the Pashmina Shawl is an elegance about luxury. Also, versatile styles in Pashmina Shawls are treasured at pashmina.com. We have opulent and one-of-a-kind masterpieces with high-end intricacy and skilled craftsmanship. Diligently crafted with ethical and sustainable practices to preserve authenticity and revive the culture of the Kashmir valley.

Procuring the finest Cashmere

The finest Cashmere is procured in Changthangi, Ladakh. Changthangi is the highest region in Ladakh, where the winters are the harshest. Specifically, the region of coldness in the winter season. The temperature goes to minus 50 degrees Celsius. A rare species of goat dwelling in the region of Changthangi is known to be Changra goats. Also. the goats develop a layer of fine wool on their bodies to protect themselves from cold weather. The goats all medium in size and are grazed for meat production and fine wool.

In addition, the Changpa herders also comb out manually the excess wool to let them feel the freshness of summer. Further, it is the finest Cashmere all over the world with 10 to 16 microns in diameter. To craft a Pashmina accessory from fine Cashmere wool, the tufts of wool are taken to the Kashmir Valley. Thus, after the tufts of wool reach the valley of Kashmir, the supreme Pashmina Craft is commenced.

Crafting of a Pashmina Shawl

After the finest wool reaches the valley of Kashmir, it undergoes the process of cleaning. Afterwards, thoroughly cleaned to get the dirt, dust, and grime out. After the meticulous cleaning, the Cashmere wool goes into the journey of spinning. Therefore, the process of transforming the wool to fine Cashmere yarn is spinning. The process all precisely done by the womenfolk of the valley on a wooden wheel called yinder. They move the wheel in a circular motion with one hand and with another hand, they long the wool into yarn. Thus, creating fine yarn from Cashmere wool.

Further, the next step is the process of weaving. Weaving is the transformation of Cashmere yarn into the finest Cashmere fabric. Then, worked upon by highly skilled artisans to present the opulent Art of Pashmina. Also, the weaving process gracefully done on the handloom made of forest wood. Worked upon by highly skilled artisans, the handlooms create treasures of Pashmina Shawls to dedicate the world with luxury craft.

Elegance of a Pashmina Shawl

Pashmina Shawl, an epitome of luxury crafted with high-end craftsmanship. The elegance of each Pashmina Shawl reflects opulence through every woven weft and warp. The uniqueness from style to style redefine the endless drapes that adorn the beauty of fashionistas. Therefore, richness of hand embroideries, hand dyes, hand-woven patterns, hand embellishments, and prints define the luxury of contemporary as well as traditional fashion.

All the way to the valley of Kashmir,

The treasures seem to be alongside

towards and above the sky

Pashmina looks upon you

through the windows of the old city

to the meadows near the lakes

In the eyes of heritage, it speaks!

Styles of Pashmina Shawl

There are several styles of a Pashmina Shawl, including Solid, Ombre, Patterned, Printed, Swarovski Crystals, Laced, Reversible, Shibori, Embroidered, and Kani. Moreover, all the styles pertain to the luxury of fashion and opulence. The endless crafting genuinely makes the cherished Pashmina Craft a part whenever you drape one of the masterpieces. Thus, each masterpiece is opulently crafted with ethical practices and sustainable concepts. At pashmina.com, a rich collection caters to all people to drape you in the legacy of Pashmina, as a craft of traditions.

History of Pashmina Craft in Kashmir

Pashmina, the art of crafting the finest grade of Cashmere distinctly has a unique journey. It dates back to the 13th century in the Kashmir Valley of India. The footprints of a saint Mir Syed Ali Hamdani from the middle east came to Kashmir with 700 craftsmen to adorn the beauty of the valley and to spread the holy message. The saint landed its appearance in the Changthangi Mountain in Ladakh. While perceiving nature, he locked his eyes on the goat of marvelous wool. Awestruck with the softness and fineness of the wool, he made socks out of it and gifted them to the Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen of Kashmir Valley.

Also read: Pashmina in the Hymns of a Kashmiri wedding

A Cashmere Scarf, an ultimate accessory gracefully crafted in the valley of Kashmir. The diligence of crafting a Cashmere Scarf delves a reflection of authenticity and luxury fashion. Beautifully crafted by highly skilled artisans day and night to preserve the generational craft of Pashmina. A true gem of Cashmere scarf redefine the craft on a different level to revive the modern drapes with subtle relevance to the royal times. Thus, the endless Cashmere Wraps pertain to lively crafting through heritage and calling upon the culture with a tone of traditions.

Procuring Cashmere from Ladakh for Cashmere Scarf

The mountains of Changthangi, where the Changra Goats dwell. They develop a thick wool over their bodies in the winter season when the temperature goes to minus 50 degrees. When the spring arrives, the goats shed off the excess wool against trees and rocks. This method of hand-harvesting guarantees that only the best cashmere is gathered, and before all woven into opulent fabrics, all carefully cleaned, carded, and spun.

Therefore, the journey of procuring cashmere from Ladakh is not just about the final product but also about supporting local communities and preserving traditional craftsmanship.

Cashmere Scarves - Craft of Pashmina

After the finest Cashmere is procured, the tufts of wool are packed and transferred to Kashmir. The Cashmere wool is received with high applauds of heritage and the craft begins at the hands of local cleaners. The local cleaners thoroughly clean the Cashmere wool with diligence and manual process to sustain the softness of the wool. Further, given to the womenfolk of Kashmir who are the masters of Spinning Art. Spinning is the transformation of Cashmere wool to Cashmere yarns. Women spindle the Cashmere wool on a wooden wheel, yinder and create the Cashmere yarns. The Cashmere yarns are the softest and finest yarns, perfect for the next process, Weaving.

Weaving is an intricate process of transforming the Cashmere yarns to fine Cashmere fabric. The master weavers craft the Cashmere Wraps by weaving the warps and wefts of Cashmere yarns. Moreover, done on the handlooms set up at local workshops or karkhanas. The master weavers all highly skilled at their craft and intricately make a Cashmere scarf which is one of the finest treasures of Pashmina Craft.

Crafting the premium Cashmere Scarves

Making exquisite cashmere scarves from the best cashmere from Ladakh is a craft that blends age-old methods with extraordinary talent to create an accessory that radiates elegance and luxury.

The process of Spinning and Weaving diligently craft a Cashmere scarf redefining the age-old Pashmina Craft. Thus, the intricacy and sustainability of each process reflects through the hand-woven richness of every Cashmere scarf.

Thus, the final product is a stunning cashmere scarf that blends the warmth, comfort, and elegance of Ladakhi cashmere with the artistry of skilled craftsmanship. Therefore, offering a piece of wearable luxury that is both timeless and unique.

Wearing a Cashmere Scarf in a classy way

Wearing a Cashmere Scarf is, in itself, a fashion epitome, wherein the heritage adorns you with its opulent beauty of Pashmina Craft. Here are some of the ways to wear your Cashmere Scarf to cherish the days and seasons with intricate luxury.

• Take your Cashmere Scarf and drape it on your shoulders and let the classy adorning play its opulence.

• Take your Cashmere Scarf and make a knot around your neck. The knot can be modified to produce a casual or more refined look, depending on your tastes.
• For formal occasions, layer your cashmere shawl over a little black dress. Also, the soft cashmere and angular lines of the dress form an excellent contrast. Thus, adding warmth while remaining beautiful and comfortable.

• To add some modern flair, belt your cashmere scarf at the waist. Thus, this defines your silhouette while allowing the fabric's softness to come through.

• Cashmere wraps aren't just for formal attire. You may also wear a scarf with casual attire like jeans and a sweater. Thus, simply throw it freely over your shoulders, allowing it to accent but not overpower your clothing.

Also read: Cashmere Scarf and Modern Concepts Advocating for Equality

From the highlands, a relish a breeze travel towards the end of the Changthangi plateau. Wherein, are the Himalayas of high peaks and cultures. Living with the fragility of surviving, the endless coping mechanisms cast a virtue filled with unending traditions. These unraveling moments have created history, and the sagas travel from one tradition to another. Ladakh, a high-altitude region of unwavering culture. Changthangi, a region residing near the terrains of Ladakh is a highland located on a high altitude with harshest temperatures in the season of winter. Near the foothills of Changthangi, the saga of Cashmere begins. The Ladakhi Cashmere wool is the finest wool world has ever touched. Several breeds of goats develop Cashmere wool but the finest and softest of all Cashmere wool is procured from Changra goats of Ladakh. Therefore, Ladakhi Cashmere is the highly fine and soft of its kind.

How is the finest Cashmere procured?

Changra goats, a rare species of goats develops Cashmere wool over their bodies during the harsh winters to cope up with minus temperature at the foothills of Changthangi. While they do so, the richness of the Cashmere wool develop more and more during the wintertime. Eventually, when the spring arrives, the Goats shed off the excess wool by rubbing against rocks and trees. Additionally, the Changpa tribe herders manually comb out the wool to retain the natural charm of the wool. This Cashmere wool ethically packed in small packets and transferred to valley of Kashmir to relish the Craft of generations, Pashmina!

In addition, the Goats produce the fine Cashmere wool once every year. Therefore, only around 80 to 170 gms of Ladakhi Cashmere are produced during a year. Therefore, considered the rarest.  Consequently, the production caters to the manufacture of different styles like Pashmina Shawls, Cashmere Scarves, and Cashmere Wraps.

The Exquisite Qualities of Ladakhi Cashmere

Diverse breeds of Cashmere producing goat exist all over the world. The several breeds viz; Australian Cashmere Goat, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Hexi, Zhonghwei, Tibetan Plateau, Luliang breeds, Changthangi, etc. Therefore, all the breeds produce the Cashmere wool that produces the warmth. The exclusive breed of goats called Changra Goats is rare species of goats that produce the finest and warmest Cashmere wool called Ladakhi Cashmere. There are several qualities that Ladakhi Cashmere reflects on mentioned below:

• Profusing Softness:

Ladakhi Cashmere has the finest fibers of 10-16 microns only. These finest fibers make the wool exceptionally soft to touch and draping the accessory made of such wool is a bliss in itself.

• Exceptional Breathability:

The fine fibers of the wool let the air circulate around, in and out. Thus, making it suitable for any season as the Cashmere wool balances out the outside temperature accordingly.

• Warmth:

Ladakhi Cashmere is highly insulating due to the lightweight nature. The Cashmere wool can trap the warmth and thus provide the adequate warmth to the wearer.

• Rare Nature:

The low production of wool and less number of Changra goats existing makes the Ladakhi Cashmere wool very rare and one-of-a-kind.

• Cultural Epitome:

The Production and procuring includes the manual combing out the Cashmere wool from the Changra Goats by Changpa Herders. The local herders have survival over this procuring and the production caters to the cultural significance of the Cashmere wool.

• Sustainable Approach:

The Cashmere wool all sustainably crafted further under the Craft of Pashmina. Pashmina is the sustainable crafting of finest Cashmere ethically procured from Changra Goats.

Pashmina Crafting

The small packets of Cashmere wool leave the Ladakh region to reach the valley of Kashmir. Afterwards, the Cashmere wool is cleaned, soaked, and dried in the sunlight to get the dirt, grime of any sort apart. Afterwards, the Cashmere wool is taken to the households where women folk spin the Cashmere wool to fine yarn. The spinning process is done on the wheel of wool called yinder in the local language. The women spun the Cashmere wool diligently to get the finest Cashmere yarn.

The yarn is collected around the spindles for further process. Further, the Cashmere yarn is taken to the local karkhanas/workshops where several handlooms are fixed. These handlooms are made of forest wood. The highly skilled artisans work upon the handlooms using their hands and feet in coordination with the process. The process of weaving is to use Cashmere yarn to create warps and wefts. Thus, producing a whole fine Cashmere fabric. The Cashmere produced thus given the required dimensions. Thus, crafting of Pashmina shawl.

An Age-old Tale of Pashmina

It all started when a Persian saint was travelling across the globe. Mir Syed Ali Hamdani was a sage from the Middle East. The footprints of a saint Mir Syed Ali Hamdani from the middle east came to Kashmir with 700 craftsmen to adorn the beauty of the valley and to spread the holy message. He rested his feet in the region of Changthangi Ladakh. Thus, the saint landed its appearance in the Changthangi Mountain in Ladakh. While perceiving nature, he locked his eyes on the Goat of marvellous wool. Awestruck with the softness and fineness of the wool, he made socks out of it and gifted them to the Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen of Kashmir Valley. Perceiving the beauty of Cashmere wool, suggested making an industry that cultivates the Pashmina in desirable styles.

Pashmina.com and Ladakhi Cashmere

We, at pashmina.com, source the ethically procured Ladakhi Cashmere from the local herders of the Changpa Tribe. Defining the fineness of Ladakhi Cashmere, our platform has witnessed high-end craftsmanship and has crafted the rich masterpieces of Pashmina craft. We diligently procure the fine Ladakhi Cashmere and sustain its genuine authenticity by taking major actions for it. Further, the Craft of Pashmina is relished at our platform with high-skilled and sustainable fashion concepts. Reviving as well as sustainable fashion is forte of our forte, crafting luxury Pashmina Craft with a genuine approach and fervor.

Also read: Pashmina – Where heritage and fashion go together

With an exclusive way of fashion, the richness of style is very hard to find. With modern day in and day out, the classic drapes have been taken over by chic ad elegant ways. Therefore, the contemporary designs to drapes, the relentless beauty of Pashmina can be worn with high-end ways.

Beneath the virtues of Pashmina Craft, a one-of-a-kind luxury of Ombre Pashmina Shawl is cherished for the times of modernism. With its radiance of opulence, the accessory showcases grace of modern fashion.

Ombre Pashmina Shawl is an accessory of luxury crafted in Kashmir valley. The Ombre Pashmina is a style in Pashmina craft wherein the master dyers delicately dye the hues one unto another by blending each seamlessly to create a gradience on the finest Cashmere. Ombre, a French term, means blending of tones. Thus, the masterpiece crafted is a true definition of hues blended on the finest Cashmere to showcase the defined design all over.

Procuring the finest Cashmere for Ombre Pashmina

Changra goats, a rare species of goats develop Cashmere wool over their bodies during the harsh winters to cope up with minus temperature at the foothills of Changthangi. While they do so, the richness of the Cashmere wool develop more and more during the winter time. Eventually, when the spring arrives, the Goats shed off the excess wool by rubbing against rocks and trees. Additionally, the Changpa tribe herders manually comb out the wool to retain the natural charm of the wool.

Pashmina Crafting

The small packets of Cashmere wool leave the Ladakh region to reach the valley of Kashmir. Afterwards, the Cashmere wool is cleaned, soaked, and dried in the sunlight to get the dirt, grime of any sort apart. Afterwards, the Cashmere wool is taken to the households where women folk spin the Cashmere wool to fine yarn. The spinning process is done on the wheel of wool called yinder in the local language. The women spun the Cashmere wool diligently to get the finest Cashmere yarn.

Further, the Cashmere yarn is taken to the local karkhanas/workshops where several handlooms are fixed. These handlooms are made of forest wood. The highly skilled artisans work upon the handlooms using their hands and feet in coordination with the process. The process of weaving is to use Cashmere yarn to create warps and wefts. Thus, producing a whole fine Cashmere fabric. The Cashmere produced is given the required dimensions. Thus, crafting of  Pashmina shawl.

Crafting an Ombre Pashmina Shawl

When the Pashmina Shawl is crafted, it is taken to the dyer. The local dyers are highly skilled who dye the Pashmina Shawl in several hues and blend the hues together to create a gradient of hues merging with each other. Thus creates an Ombre Pashmina Shawl. These Shawls are versatile and dyers dye with one or more colors and blend them together over the finest Cashmere. The merging of one tone to other is the forte of Ombre Pashmina Shawls.

An Ombre Pashmina Shawl is a versatile accessory considered as the masterpiece of luxury because the manual dyeing process with azo-free dyes are the epitome of authenticity and sustainability in this style of Pashmina Craft.

5 ways to wear an Ombre Pashmina Shawl

There can be several ways to wear any shawl with classic elegance. Yet, we at pashmina.com have come up with elegantly unique ways to drape your Ombre Pashmina Shawl.

• The Headgear: Take your shawl and drape it around your head by whirling the head leaving strands of hair on the face. With heavy earrings and bold make-up, the look is elegant and chic for any gathering.
• The Chic Loop: Whirl the Pashmina Shawl around your neck and create a loop around. This drape does not only provide style but also provide the adequate warmth.
• The Sophisticated Knot: Take your Pashmina Shawl and drape it over your neck in such a way that one end falls over one end and other end on another shoulder.
• Around the Whirl: Drape the Ombre Pashmina Shawl around your shoulders and let it cover your from each side. This drape will not make you look graceful but will also enhance the dyeing pattern of the shawl.
• Delightful One-side drape: Drape the Shawl on one of your shoulders and leave it there. This is the ultimate drape to showcase the gradient of hues over the masterpiece of Ombre Pashmina Shawl.

Also read: Pashmina – Reviving the traditions and heritage