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

cashmere goat
Changra goats in Ladakh

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.

Cashmere Weaving
Weaving of pure Pashmina on traditional wooden handloom

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?

Shibori Pashmina Shawl
Along the passion of opulence, the wind of fashion blew near the presence of Pashmina Shawl

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

Cashmere goat being combed
Collecting cashmere fiber gently from the underbelly of the Changthangi goat

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

spinning cashmere
Artisan at work

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

Laced Pashmina Shawl
Laced on its borders with the classic 17th century Chantilly French lace, this shawl makes a perfect pick for the casual winter days

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

cashmere goats in ladakh
The Himalayas are home to Changra goats

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

natural fibre
Fine Cashmere fiber

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
A masterpiece of tradition and artistry, the Samar Red Pashmina Shawl is made from the finest Ladakhi cashmere

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

Cashmere goats
Changra goats in the Himalayas

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
Artisan weaving cashmere on the wooden handloom

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

Reversible Cashmere Scarf
Whether you're dressing up for a special occasion or adding a touch of elegance to your everyday attire

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.

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?

Changthangi goats
Changra goats in Himalayas

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:

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Weaving of Cashmere
The authentic art of Pashmina weaving

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

Pashmina shawl
The timeless elegance of Kashmiri craftsmanship is reflected in every thread, as each curve and blossom narrates a tale of ancient artistry

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

Pashmina goats
Changra goats with their herders

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.

weaving cashmere
Artisan weaving the Pashmina on the wooden handloom

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

Ombre Pashmina Shawl
The Farizaan Ombre Pashmina Shawl combines the classic allure of ombré art with the plush embrace of pure Cashmere to create a symphony of warmth and beauty

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.

Also read: Pashmina – Reviving the traditions and heritage

Foreseeing the nature of meadows, the ultimate gift of luxury is bestowed upon the followers of fashion. The Craft of Pashmina is a one-of-a-kind luxury of the Kashmir Valley, which originated from Changthangi, Ladakh. The uniqueness of each masterpiece of luxurious Pashmina has its own way of redefining heritage and authenticity. Also, the sustainability of each masterpiece is a must concept through the craft of Pashmina. Thus, reviving the finest Cashmere wool through the beauty of the Solid Cashmere scarf is a true definition of Pashmina as a craft of traditions.

A solid Cashmere scarf is an accessory of luxury crafted in the valley of Kashmir with high-end hand weaving on handlooms and authentic design. With the redefined beauty of each masterpiece crafted from the finest Cashmere, the Solid Cashmere scarf is an ultimate simple yet elegant accessory. Crafted ethically from the finest Cashmere procured from Changthangi, Ladakh. Thus, the high definition of intricate Cashmere scarf, a luxury of traditions scattered all across the valley of Kashmir.

Procuring the finest Cashmere from Changthangi

changra goat
Changra goat in Ladakh

A rare species of Goats known as Changra Goats has an undercoat of Cashmere wool around their bodies to prevent the harsh winters of Changthangi from entering their bodies. These goats develop this significant wool during the season with well-defined softness and fineness. Eventually, when the season of winter changes to summer, the goats shed their wool by rubbing it with rocks and bark. Thus, the herders also comb the excess wool off to sell. In the market. Due to the rare species of Goats, only around 80 to 160 grams of Ladakhi Cashmere are produced during a year.

Spinning and Weaving

The finest cashmere wool all taken in packets to the valley of Kashmir. The first step is the cleaning. The Spinning thus mainly done after the Cashmere wool all cleaned thoroughly. The Cashmere wool is taken to the homes of Kashmir, where women work on a spinning wheel called a Yinder in the local language. They spun the Cashmere wool to make fine Cashmere yarns.

Artisan weaving Cashmere shawl on Hand Loom
The weaving of Cashmere wrap

After the process of spinning, the Cashmere yarns are woven to craft a Solid Cashmere scarf. It is called Weaving. The process of Weaving is enforced by the master artisans who weave the Cashmere yarns on a handloom made of wood. Artisans work in the workshops where these handlooms are set up. Thus, the aura of Kashmir is adjoined in every interweave. Afterwards, the Solid Cashmere scarf all dyed as per the requirement.

Solid Cashmere scarf

Cashmere scarf
The refined art of hand weaving & the feel of the Cashmere make it one of the most sought after fabrics since centuries

Scarf is the newer term for the outer clothing that covers the body. All shawls, stoles can come under the term of Wraps but not all wraps are shawls. Therefore, in the fashion world, wraps are precisely termed accessories that cover the outer body. In the world of fashion, it's a contemporary term. Cashmere Wraps are supremely premium quality accessories. Therefore, crafted with precision and skill, they belong to the class of originality

Cashmere Wraps are supremely high-quality accessories for the people of Pashmina. The elegance in every masterpiece of Cashmere Wraps is up to the mark of authenticity. From the finest Cashmere of Ladakhi Changra goats, the supreme Cashmere Wraps are created. After it reaches the valley of Kashmir, the Pashmina Art supplicate the fineness of Cashmere with curation and designing. Thus, the creation of premium Cashmere Wraps profoundly merges with the heritage of the Kashmir Valley.

In modern times, the styles all altered with contemporary themes. Yet, the essence of traditions and heritage lives along with each piece of Pashmina Art. From the royals to the new generation of people, Cashmere Wraps have assisted everyone with its gleaming eyes of creativity. Thus, with the sense of heritage along with the themes of modernism, Cashmere Wraps cater to all generations. In addition, the Cashmere accessories confer to all the genders with the same supremacy in quality.

Sustainability and Authenticity

The Craft of pashmina bestows the world with glamorous Cashmere Wraps. The explicit and intricate creation of a Solid Cashmere scarf from the finest Cashmere is tremendous. The different styles and designs contribute to the unique amalgamation of luxury and sustainability. The Solid cashmere scarf redefines elegance in the realms of Pashmina Craft in the simplest yet elegant ways.
A scarf is a rectangular piece of clothing draped around the neck or shoulders. The explicit styles with the finest Cashmere.

The premium quality of Solid cashmere scarf brings out the versatile definition of colorful and elegant luxury. The stylish styles of a unique definition of Solid cashmere scarf act as an opulent fashion. The artisans work upon each masterpiece with precision. Thus, to provide serene exclusiveness. Each solid Cashmere scarf carves for the sustainability of the luxury fashion. The concept of sustainability has redefined the craft of pashmina with high-end opulence, and the authenticity speaks to the diligence of each process.

History of Pashmina Craft

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 Changthangi. He entailed the luxury of Pashmina Craft in Kashmir. He was travelling with his 700 craftsmen to Kashmir when he saw the Changra Goats in Ladakh. Mesmerized by the softness and fineness, he made a pair of socks from the Cashmere wool he combed from the goats. Further, he reached Kashmir, and his craftsman taught the Kashmiri local men the skill, and Pashmina paved the way towards the valley of Kashmir. Afterwards, the royals adorned the Craft of Pashmina. It is an art that prevailed through centuries proving its legacy all over the world including European aristocrats and Armenian merchants. For centuries, Europeans were the largest owners of Pashmina accessories.

Also read: Sustainability and Ombre Cashmere Scarf

Over the centuries, a sense of heritage has been around the valley of Kashmir with the aroma of Pashmina Craft. Richness filled with warmth of luxury and grace all witnessed all across the valley. With the modern tinges of contemporary accessories, a concept of Cashmere Blanket resides. Defining the craft of Pashmina with endless accessories, craving luxury and sophistication. The craftsmanship of Kashmir unveiled the unique crafting of a Cashmere Blanket, defining a new avalanche in the opulence of Pashmina.

Cashmere Blanket, an accessory of warmth defined through the intricate hand-weaving of finest Cashmere. Cashmere wool all procured ethically from Changra Goats. Moreover, a Cashmere Blanket is a token of luxury that provides enough warmth to make you comfortable and cozy despite being the lightest and softest accessory. The tapestry of each Cashmere Blanket describes the rich crafting that defines Pashmina as an old-age Craft of Kashmir.

Procuring the finest Cashmere to craft the rich Cashmere Blanket

cashmere goats in ladakh
The Himalayas are home to Changra goats

The journey starts near the foothills of Changthangi, which is 14000 feet above sea level. A rare species of goat resides in the dimensions of the Himalayan Plateau called Changra Goats. The climate favours the development of fine wool over their bodies in order to protect them from the harsh winters where the temperature goes to -50 degrees. A sense of warmth all developed near the neck, behind the ears and underbelly of the goats.

On the arrival of spring, the Cashmere wool is shed by the goats to breathe in the breeze. The spring floral chant surrounds while the Changra goats shed their blessing of Cashmere wool.  Moreover, the herders also comb out the excess wool to make the goats feel their days of spring prosperously. The Cashmere wool all procured ethically without harming any animal. Also, the Cashmere wool is not abundantly procured because the wool gracefully developed seasonally, and the rarity of the goats inhibits the abundant procurement. This quality makes the Cashmere wool one-of-a-kind and luxurious.

Crafting of the finest Cashmere wool – Cleaning and Spinning

spinning cashmere
Pashmina artisan at work

Kashmir has been a place of rich craftsmanship. It has served as the legacy of heritage wherein the grace of handicrafts scallops around the traditional integrity. When the Ladakhi Cashmere reaches the valley, all welcomed with the applause of traditions and culture. The fine Cashmere wool all delicately cleaned and properly spun by hand to preserve the natural softness of the wool. The local cleaners thoroughly clean the Cashmere wool and dry it out naturally to get all the moisture out of the Cashmere wool.

Further, the cleaned Cashmere wool beautifully passed to the local womenfolk of the valley for the next process called Spinning. The process of spinning is the spindling of Cashmere wool on a wooden wheel, Yinder, to get the Cashmere yarns. These yarns are the finest and softest. The women of Kashmir manually spun the wheel, yinder and spun the Cashmere wool into fine yarns. Moreover, the Art of Spinning is the token of women's empowerment in Kashmir for centuries.

Weaving of a Cashmere Blanket

Weaving of Cashmere
The weaving of cashmere blanket

When the Cashmere yarns reach the workshops or karkhanas of the valley of Kashmir, the handlooms made of forest wood gleam on their arrival. Chanting the tones of artisans by rhyming to their feet and hands, the Cashmere yarn gracefully woven manually by describing each warp and weft with a tale of legacy. Weaving of a Cashmere Blanket requires high-end handlooms and master artisans who work day and night to craft a single Cashmere blanket. When all the warps and wefts are together, defining the tale of Kashmir, a single Cashmere Blanket is crafted. The richness of a Cashmere blanket graced with the warmth of Kashmir on summer days and travels to you to make you feel the cosiness of Kashmir as a place of heaven.

Warmth of a Cashmere Blanket

Cashmere blanket
Working with generational artisans, we endeavour to revive the classic art of Pashmina that modern life has made us forget about

With the winds of winter, when the shores touch the sky, a serene beauty of warmth unravels itself in the form of a Cashmere Blanket. The grace of a Cashmere blanket reflects the virtues of Kashmir. Towards the endless accessories, this particular and one-of-a-kind accessory can be draped as well as felt as cosy cover for the body. Cashmere Blanket is unbelievably soft and lightweight due to the finest Ladakhi Cashmere, which is 10-16 microns in diameter. Yet, the warmth of the Cashmere Blanket is felt through every weave, hand-woven with diligence.

Cashmere Blanket is an epitome of luxury, hand-crafted with supreme precision. Also, the luxe of a Cashmere blanket reflects beauty and an enigma of opulence. With the glory of being handcrafted redefine its concept of following sustainable practices from the very beginning.

Regal and Sustainability of Pashmina as a Craft

Pashmina Craft is the ethical crafting of the finest Cashmere procured from Ladakh and sustainably crafted in Kashmir. Sustainability is the tradition that revolutionised the craft of Pashmina as the practices are ethical and far-fetching.  Each process from the beginning speaks of ethical and sustainable practices, as all the steps are manually done with no exploitation of resources, as well as technology. Moreover, a definitive livelihood proceeds for the artisans of the valley who have served the Craft of Pashmina for centuries.

Pashmina.com has become a source for artisans as we thrive for their betterment and prosperity. Reflecting the concept of women empowerment and encouraging more and more women day by day to unravel their way of living through serving the Craft of Pashmina and the place called Kashmir.

Also read: Pashmina Series: Men’s Cashmere Scarf

When wrapped in the ethereal elegance of a Shibori Cashmere scarf, it appears as if time has been woven into the intricate details of this work of art. The exquisite Cashmere canvas all adorned with hypnotic designs created by the traditional Japanese technique of Shibori dyeing, which ripples like wind-kissed water.

The Shibori Cashmere scarf effortlessly resembles a traditional, quintessential accessory wrapped over to convey luxury and elegance. How beautiful it is to amalgamate two art forms of two different cultures and craft a masterpiece? Indeed, it is the nature that has cherished the Craft of Pashmina and the traditional master dyers of Japanese Shibori are the precursors for the traditional opulence of Shibori Cashmere scarves.

Procuring the finest Cashmere from Ladakh

cashmere goat
Himalayan Changthangi goat

A rare species of Goats known as Changthangi Goats have an undercoat of Cashmere wool around their bodies to prevent the harsh winters from entering their bodies. Eventually, when the season of winter changes to summer, the goats shed this wool off by rubbing it with rocks and barks. The herders also comb the excess wool off to sell. in the market. Due to the rare species of Goats only around 80 to 160 gms of Ladakhi Cashmere thus produced during a year.

Craft of Pashmina

Raw cashmere fibre
Raw cashmere fibre before cleaning

The Cashmere wool gracefully all brought to the valley of Kashmir. Further, handed over to the local cleaners who clean the Cashmere wool. Further, the thoroughly cleaned wool all dried and manually sorted. Afterwards, handed down for the process of Spinning. The Spinning, mainly done after the Cashmere wool all cleaned thoroughly. The Cashmere wool further taken to the homes of Kashmir where women work on a spinning wheel called Yinder in the local language. They spun the Cashmere wool to make Cashmere Yarns. The Cashmere yarns are softer than anything. 

After the process of Spinning, the Cashmere yarns all woven to craft a Pashmina Shawl. The process of Weaving, enforced by the men's artisans who weave the Cashmere yarns on a handloom made of wood. Artisans work in the workshops where these handlooms are set up. The aura of Kashmir thus adjoined in every interweave. Afterwards, the Cashmere fabric sustainably dyed as per requirement.

Exquisite Cashmere Scarf

The Pashmina Art bestows a glamorous accessory of Cashmere Scarf. The explicit and intricate creation of Cashmere Wraps from the finest Cashmere is tremendous. The different styles and designs confer to the unique amalgamation of luxury and Purity. The Cashmere Wraps perform in the realms of Pashmina Art with the most sophisticated of designs.
A scarf is a rectangular piece of clothing draped around the neck or shoulders. The explicit styles with these finest Cashmere. The premium quality Cashmere scarf bring out the aura of colorful and elegant luxury. The versatile styles of unique designs of Cashmere wraps are examples of high-class fashion. They cater to all genders with exquisite collections. The artisans work upon each masterpiece with precision. Thus, to provide serene exclusiveness.
Moreover, today's generation feels the aura of authentic Cashmere in their lifestyles. This proves that not only the royals but also the people of admiration for Pashmina wear the new class Shibori Cashmere scarves.

Shibori Cashmere Scarf

Shibori Cashmere scarf
The shine of the Words of Poet Cashmere Wrap festoons a glance of Shibori in coffee brown and ivory color

The pigmenting of Cashmere Scarf takes place in the sphere of the local dyer called Rangur. The exquisite colours all dodged with authenticity on the Cashmere Wraps to scatter an aura of opulence in every direction. Shibori technique of designing comes into playing after the perfecting the Cashmere scarf on a handloom.

Shibori is a Japanese manual resist dyeing technique that produces scattered patterns on a Cashmere scarf. The technique produces numerous different pattern on the Cashmere scarf in diverse colours. The process of Shibori designing technique has steps to create the beautiful array of patterns on the Cashmere scarf.

Firstly, the Cashmere scarf relentlessly 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 Cashmere scarf meticulously pinched and bound off in different ways to craft the exquisite prints of Shibori. After the binding of the Cashmere scarf, thus fully submerged in the dye bath. The dyes used are skin-friendly as well as eco-friendly.

In Shibori designing, there are several ways of tying the Cashmere scarf to get the required patterned print. The patterns include cloud or floret pattern, striated pattern, and geometric shapes like triangles and squares. After the Cashmere Wrap has been dyed, it is left to dry in the natural sunshine before untying the knots.

Wearing a Shibori Cashmere scarf elegantly

Wearing a Shibori Cashmere elegantly is a task. Therefore, we have come up with some classy yet elegant ways to wear a Shibori Cashmere scarf

Luxury Fashion and Sustainability

A Shibori Cashmere scarf is an example of luxury fashion as the process of crafting is in itself a opulent tale. With modernistic approach and with high-end skill of artisans, the fashion through Pashmina reflects slow fashion. Beyond the bliss of Sustainability, the richness of each process takes place with integrity and manual assortment.

A fashion luxury, redefined from the beginning as the Cashmere procured is finest and the procuring is ethical. Thus, making the masterpieces a fine definition of Luxury. With such high-end skill of Japanese Shibori Dyeing, the richness is manifold and the crafted masterpieces are filled with luxury and opulence.

Further, each step in the Pashmina Craft is sustainable. Thus, curating a luxury with sustainable fashion. The craftsmanship, the process, the raw material crave for the concept of sustainability. Thus, at pashmina.com, we have evolved with the true sense of this term to subjugate the beauty with ethical practices and authentic sustainable concept.

Also read: Pashmina – An Era of Sustainable Fashion

A tale told by the saint from Middle East reflects nature and beauty with sumptuous luxury in the form of Pashmina Craft. Nature has cherished the Craft for centuries. Pashmina is the crafting of finest Cashmere procured from Ladakh. Down across the Changthangi, a rare species of goats mesmerized the saint of Middle east and he combed the softest wool and crafted a pair of socks.  All along the pair of socks gave rise to the versatile industry of Pashmina serving thousands of artisans of Kashmir Valley to this day. A particular Craft of Kani Pashmina Shawl resembles the legacy of heritage and traditions.

Kani Pashmina excels the glory of being a mere style of Pashmina. Thus, it showcases the prosperous realm of luxury crafted with intricacy and high skill.

Weaves whisper tales of legacy

surrounded by the cascade of mountains

in-between are the hands of craftsman,

rhyming with tones of handloom

singing along the murmurs of Cashmere yarns

Kani, a verse crafted!

Procuring the finest Cashmere from Ladakh

cashmere goat
Changra goats in Ladakh

With the arrival of winter, the zenith of temperature goes below -50 degrees in Changthangi. A rare species of goats called Changra Goats dwell near the foothills. To overcome the harshness of winter, they develop a soft wool on their bodies. This wool is very fine and the strands are only 10-16 microns in diameter. Eventually seasons change and the spring comes. Thus, the goats shed off their excess wool by rubbing themselves on rocks and trees in order to breath in the fresh air. Also, the Changpa herders comb out the wool manually with ethical practices to sustain the softness of the wool.

Pashmina Crafting of Cashmere wool

As soon as the Cashmere wool reaches the cradle of Kashmir, the local cleaners sort and clean the wool thoroughly. The cleaning process all manually done to retain the softness of the wool. Afterwards, the cleaned wool all handed down to the women artisans of the valley for the process of Spinning. Cashmere wool all transformed to fine Cashmere yarns by the process of Spinning. This process mainly done on a wooden wheel called Yinder. Women spindle the Cashmere wool on the wheel and transform it to Cashmere yarns. Also, they meticulously spin the Cashmere wool and showcase the excellent skill of Spinning.

Kani Weaving in Pashmina Craft

Shawl Weaving in Kashmir
Kani Pashmina weaving on a Classic Handloom

The meticulously spun yarn all handed down to the handlooms of Kashmir where they are set up in the workshops/karkhanas. Kani Pashmina is the art of Weaving. Kani means “small twigs”, therefore, the weaving design is done with the help of twigs. A single Kani Pashmina Shawl requires 10,000 kanis or twigs for crafting. Master artisans prepare a graph of design called Taleem, from which they read the designs and weave it on the Pashmina Shawl. The intricacy of the Kani Pashmina thus highly sophisticated and poetic as if artisans are composing the song of heritage over the softest fabric.

Kani Pashmina uses high skill where the artisans realistically craft the designs with endless hues and motifs including the traditional motifs, classic bordered Kani Pashmina. The intricacy of each masterpiece is evident and unique. Each Kani Pashmina Shawl takes months to years to be crafted completely.

Versatile Kani Pashmina Shawls

Kani Pashmina Shawl
A testament to classic artistry, the Fayiz Beige Pashmina Shawl is woven from the finest Ladakhi cashmere

Kani Pashmina Shawls are highly intricate type of Pashmina shawls. All crafted with high-end skill and generations of master artisans who have given their lives to serve the Craft of Pashmina. Thus, the intricate Kani Pashmina Shawls are highly efficient and luxurious.

Kani Pashmina Shawl, an epitome of luxury fashion filled with traditional designs and cultural motifs. The Hand-weaving of each warp and weft all highly sophisticated and well-crafted. Thus, the beauty of each Kani Pashmina Shawl resembles nothing but a poetic definition of verses over the finest Ladakhi Cashmere.

Royalty and Kani Pashmina Shawl

Empress Josephine in Kani pashmina Shawl
Empress Josephine wearing a Pashmina Shawl

From centuries ago, Kani Pashmina Shawl have been a legacy to relish on. From courts of Mughals to European empire, Kani Pashmina Shawl have been a token of luxury for ages. The Craft of Pashmina relives the Hand-weave technique through the diligent Kani Weave. Thus, the beauty of each masterpiece of Kani Pashmina have evolved and seamlessly merged with the contemporary fashion.

Moreover, the luxury of Kani Pashmina have been into the world of fashion for centuries. Dignified with high-skill of hand-weaving, the richness of Kani Pashmina Shawl is ultimate. From empress Josephine to Akbar, Kani Pashmina has been an ultimate fashion luxury serving as legacy to this day.

GI Tag

A geographical indication (GI) mainly a token attached to products that come from a specific geographical origin. Therefore, the product has a quality about its origin. Also, to get prescribed a GI, a particular sign all used to identify a product having its manufacturing in a particular place. In addition, the properties and characteristics of the product should be all due to its place of origin. Thus, Kani Pashmina Shawls have GI tag as all crafted solely crafted in the Kanihama region of Kashmir Valley. Moreover, geographical identification signifies the craftsmanship of the place to only have the right to manufacture which means no third party can be applicable to manufacture the product.

Further, the GI authentication of Pashmina is performed by Pashmina Testing & Quality Certification Centre, Craft Development Institute (CDI) located in Srinagar. This lab is managed by the Government of India. Also, the certification is given after proper testing examining every Kani Pashmina Shawl crafted in the valley of Kashmir.

Also read: 10 ways to wear your Kani Pashmina Shawl