The lure of a Cashmere scarf lies in its origin: the invaluable Cashmere wool taken from the undercoat of Changthangi goats, found in the Ladakh region at an altitude of more than 14,000 feet. The wool that these goats produce might be the coldest place on the earth, but the warmest and best in the world.

After collection, the precious fibre all coiled deep into the valley of Kashmir, where the skilful hands of the artisans revive its essence. The turning of raw fleece into a finished scarf is slow and sacred. Thus, heavily reliant on the methods handed from one generation to another like a treasure. Skilled hands here respectfully twist, weave and decorate. And sometimes they would barely be done after spending weeks on just one piece.

Its inherent timelessness and understated refinement turn it into a memorable item that is still quite easy to use. An embodiment of beauty as well as belonging, it embodies the gentle loveliness of the Himalayas and the great skill of Kashmir. No matter whether the wearer has it for a comforting winter night or a stylish occasion.

Procuring the finest Cashmere from Changra Goats

The windswept, isolated plateaus of Ladakh, where the rare Changra goats, referred to as Changthangi, The furry creatures have managed to find a way to survive in the cold of the area by growing a very fine undercoat, Cashmere!. The herders hand-comb this undercoat every spring, a gentle and traditional method that ensures the safety of the goats. The fabric all silky, feather-light, and one of the world's softest and warmest. Thus, a natural wonder made by altitude and hardship.

Because of its limited supply, this wool is no less than a prized one. Every fibre tells a story of the tough Himalayan weather. Also, advise by the deeply held bond between the Changpa nomads and their animals. This relationship has respect for history, sustainability, and the environment and goes back several centuries. Unadulterated cashmere in the highlands of Ladakh now being brought to Kashmir in a process turning the raw cashmere into luxurious scarves. This process converts the raw mountain spirit into wearable art.

Pashmina Craft of Kashmir

Kashmir is a centre of eternal artistic expression for cashmere when the product is turned into a masterpiece. The fibres meticulously spun, woven, and stitched by hand. Thus, totally by master craftsmen and women whose skills passed down through the ages. The fibre, after being washed and spun on traditional wooden charkhas, is woven into a light cloth by handlooms. The art of embroidery in Kashmir not only about the colours and stitches, but it also has a long and passionate history. Thus, happens to be the main source of the delicate, graceful features of the products. Handcrafting thus done at every step of the way, and the pure Himalayan spirit transforms into heirloom-quality scarves. Thus, paying homage to Kashmir's art and the Ladakh wilderness.

Crafting of a Cashmere scarf

The stark, tranquil grandeur of Ladakh, where the rare Changra goats roam the mountainous grasslands, where cashmere scarves are produced. Since adapted to live in some of the coldest places on the planet, these goats create a particularly light undercoat to protect themselves against the Himalayas' chill. To keep the fibre's purity as well as the animal's health, this undercoat is carefully and hand-combed each spring. Thus not removed by shearing. The true craftsmanship of the Kashmir Valley is where the artists start their work after selecting.

In Kashmir, the plight of the fibre is changed to something great by the hands of the same expert craftspeople. The spinning of the cashmere into a beautiful yarn with the traditional spinning wheel known as a Yinder is very delicate and complicated and requires a lot of skill and care.

After this, the yarn can be hand-woven, usually in small family-run workshops, and the time needed for each shawl to be completed can vary from a few weeks to even a few months. The integration of detailed hand weaving or embroidery, depending on the design, can provide the delicate and sophisticated fabric with the contemporary style mingled with the old themes of the past centuries. Thus, every stage of Kashmir's artisan making is not just a product but a heritage alive with the craftsmen of Kashmir.

Luxury and Sustainability of a Cashmere Scarf

The cashmere scarf is one of the remarkable examples that lumbar the fusion between luxury and sustainability. The delicate combing method used to obtain this lovely fibre does not harm the Changra goats traded in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh. While the norms are sourced in small quantities, as opposed to mass fabrics produced artificially. This naturally limits overproduction and ensures that every piece is as rare as ethically just. The scarcity of the fibre and difficulty of acquiring it in such adverse conditions add layers of intimacy and attraction to each scarf.

The painstaking, slow process not only secures the survival of artisanal traditions but also the proponents of the environmental cause. Besides the carbon footprint reduction, the use of natural dyes, handlooms, and small-scale equipment. Thus, ensures that every creation is imbued with the uniqueness of being an irreplaceable work of art. Thus, being the one true sustainable alternative for people who respect accountability and authenticity in fashion.

Also read: The Lively Shibori Cashmere Scarf

Shibori Cashmere scarf represents the brilliant concept of blending the past with the colours and patterns that come from the folding, tying, and the soft, magical effect of the dye. The scarf made from pure Ladakhi cashmere symbolises the softness of the clouds over the Himalayas. Also, the perfection of the old Shibori indigo-dyeing technique.

"Every colour and tone" is a metaphor for the story that patience, precision, and poetic imperfection were the qualities. It dominated the artisans' work, and nothing was the same in the world; however, all were living with their rhythm and grace.

Though it is almost as light as air, it is very rich and warm, and the scarf can be felt as a delicate whisper to the user's body. Its gradual transition from one colour to another reminds one of a serene dawn and the continuous flow of the water. Thus, it is a perfect item for any time of the year. The Shibori Cashmere Scarf, a symbol of high quality and chic contemporary style, is not simply put on the body, but felt.

Procuring the finest Cashmere

The best Ladakhi Cashmere is extracted from Changra Goats that live in the Ladakh area. These goats are the ones that dwell in the ridge of the Changthangi mountains, where the temperature reaches -50°C. The severe weather makes them get used to it by forming a thick wool around their bodies. This thick wool is very soft, and it is also very delicate. The seasons have changed, and spring has come with its flowers. The Changra Goats are rubbing off their wool on the bark and the stones to get the new air of spring. Besides, the Changpa herders are also doing it with their hands to comb the thick wool out. They then put this wool in small bags to be sent to the valley of Kashmir.

Ethical and Sustainable procurement

Commitment to ethics and empathy is at the core of our craft. Every single cashmere is a product of nature from the calm highlands of Ladakh. The herders use the gentle combing method and not shearing, so that the Changthangi goats are well taken care of. This careful procedure is a perfect example of respecting both nature and nurture; thus, the fibre is being collected with care and not in a hurry. The fair trade guiding principles are instrumental in every move. Thus, the local communities are empowered and their wise old ways preserved.

Environmental concern is at the root of every link in our chain, from eco-conscious dyeing to low-impact hand weaving in Kashmir’s quiet ateliers. By embracing slow fashion, we not only use less waste but also give preference to the life of the product over the quantity of goods. Consequently, the work of art from now on is more than luxury; it is a vow. Thus, to save the planet, to be the helping hand of the artisan and to create beauty that lasts with conscience and grace.

Craft of Pashmina

The small packets of Cashmere wool transferred to the valley of Kashmir begin the journey of Pashmina Craft. The craft begins by cleaning the tufts of Cashmere wool. The local cleaners thoroughly clean the wool and sort it afterwards. Then, the Cashmere wool is taken to the households of the valley, where womenfolk reflect their skill in spinning. Spinning is the process of transferring the finest Cashmere wool to Cashmere yarns on a wooden wheel called yinder.

Furthermore, the Cashmere yarns are taken to the handlooms set up in the workshops or karkhanas. The master artisans weave the warps and wefts with these Cashmere yarns, and masterpieces are crafted.

Crafting of a Shibori Cashmere Scarf

The Shibori Cashmere Scarf represents untarnished Himalayan virtue merged with loving artistic dedication. It all starts with the best cashmere taken from the mountain area of Ladakh, where the Changthangi goats supply extremely soft and warm fibres. These delicate threads are made into yarns and fabrics by the master craftsmen in the Kashmir Valley; they are the same people whose skilful hands change the raw cashmere into a light one to be painted in colour and character.

Next is the Shibori performance, the ancient fabric art that was done by folding, tying, and dying the fabric, which in turn decorated the fabric with verses of poetry interspersed. Each fold gives its own pattern, each colour its own murmur. The scarf, when laid out, shows the seamless patterns that resonate with nature’s balance - the flow of clouds, water, and air. Each piece is a unique creation, which is a combination of eco-friendly luxury and art that lasts forever.

Luxurious Fashion and Shibori Cashmere Scarf

Shibori Cashmere Scarf in the luxurious world of fashion is one of those poetic metaphors which represent elegance and personal uniqueness. Made out of the purest Ladakhi cashmere. Moreover, the softest and lightest of its kind, providing just the right warmth, very refined and very simple at the same time. Each scarf talks about the luxury of very slow fashion in a very subtle way, which is a combination of time, the skill of the artist, and the use of the same old tradition to make something highly personal. One can say that it is not an accessory right now but a dignified item which has the power to disappear from the depths of historical memory to that of passing fashion trends.

The Shibori artistic expression of Japan is the heart of this creation. Through the painstaking folding and dyeing process, the artisans bring the motion and the feeling to every thread. And at the end, there are these fluid-like ink in water patterns that emerge. Thus, the final result becomes a wearable masterpiece - Quiet yet impressive, contemporary and yet timeless. Shibori Cashmere Scarf presents the essence of the very first conscious luxury, where mastery meets innovation. Also, fashion defines an elegant and calm personality trait.

Also read: Redefine the opulence of the Kani Cashmere Scarf

The Tales of Heritage Whispered Pashmina Shawl is an artisan creation that comes out of the peaceful weaving of Kashmir. Thus, every thread is made from the heart of Ladakh’s highlands, the place where the extremely rare Changthangi goats graze beneath the silver winds. Not a fabric at all, but a heritage symphony where the faint voices of the craftsmen can be heard. Thus, narrating their stories of love, patience, and grace one by one.

With the purest cashmere from Ladakh, this poetic shawl wraps the body with its soft, weightless, and timeless beauty. The piece of clothing is a preservation of both warmth and art. Also, a fantastic mingling of the past and the present through the motifs of the tradition. Also, found in the culture of the craftsmen of Kashmir, thus, the history of the craft and culture of Kashmir sings its silence through the shawl.

Towards the season of serenity, the Himalayas whisper in the winds of Ladakh,

the calmest breeze over the terrains,

reflect the heritage from across the valley of Kashmir

Indeed! it whispers Pashmina,

it whispers Pashmina,

From the terrains of Changthangi

Exploring Ladakh, the Himalayas, with its unforgiving and bleak landscape, terrible roads, is undoubtedly a perfect setting to get a first-hand experience of Pashmina. The Changthangi goat, a strange goat breed, inhabits the area at more than 14,000 feet above sea level. The goats thus produced the undercoat for the fabric that is used in Pashmina items—an extraordinarily soft and warm one, and they have done so because of their survival requirement in the harsh cold.

Since the weather is getting warmer in spring, these goats are naturally losing their undercoats. To be able to look after the creatures properly and to keep the fibers unbroken, the Changpa herders, nomads, remotely picking up the wool through patiently combing it rather than cutting it. This wool, also termed as raw wool, is the fabric used in the rich Pashmina shawls, which have been the fascination of kings. Also, it has been the number one choice of people from all over the world for a long time.

Spinning in Pashmina Crafting

After the harvest, the precious wool is transported to the south and next to the valleys of Kashmir, which are very green. It is not only a material that moves from Ladakh to Kashmir but also a cultural one, i.e. the transfer of tradition. Although it is the raw essence that comes from Ladakh, it is in Kashmir where they make it into art.

Kashmir is the acreage of lakes, gardens, poetry, and handicrafts. Here, the Cashmere wool is hand-washed, dehaired, and spun, which is a very delicate and skilful work. The manual spinning and weaving keep the authenticity and the softness. Thus, the main features of the legend of Pashmina, contrary to the machine-made cashmere that can be found elsewhere.

The delicate fibres of the spinning process, usually done by women using a traditional yinder. Further, taken by the master weavers, or karigars, who are skilful and most of them belong to a family that has been practising the same profession for a long time. Their hands are the result of a combination of hereditary instincts. The skill of art, weaving the fibres on wooden handlooms to make the shawls that warm the heart and are very light as feathers.

Pashmina Shawl: An Old-Age Symbol of Luxury

The Pashmina shawl was a long time ago, a journey from the Changthang plateau to the emperors' palaces. The Mughals, particularly Akbar, who was fascinated by their loveliness, used to send them as diplomatic gifts. The reasons why these shawls exposed in the Central Asian and European palaces were so highly valued.

Pashminas were a popular fashion statement in both France and England by the 18th and 19th centuries. Among the European aristocracy, the trend of wearing Pashmina shawls was set by Napoleon Bonaparte after he gifted one to his wife, Josephine. Designed to shield the wearer from the severe Himalayan cold, the shawl has become a symbol of luxury around the world.

Ethical Practice and Sustainability alongside Luxury

One of the things that Pashmina all known for is the fact that the Pashmina shawl, a sheer representation of sustainability. Thus, depicts the characteristics of mass production and quick fashion, and on the other hand, respects the slow, step-by-step workmanship of beauty. Every Pashmina shawl goes through the hands of hundreds of skilled workers. Thus, each of them adds the same amount of their talent to the six-century-old tradition. The allure of a handmade Pashmina is completely unique. Even if technology all very advanced, and thus there are no two Pashminas of the same kind.

Furthermore, the Pashmina ecosystem does not simply celebrate craftspeople and herders but entire communities across Ladakh and Kashmir. Buying authentic Pashmina is what makes it possible for thousands of people to earn their living. For the preservation of culture, and for the natural ecological balance of the earth.

The Pashmina tradition is, however, confronted with a variety of issues. Mass production of false replicas, always sold with deceptively labelled "Pashmina", is among the factors leading to trust loss and consequently to the fall of the craft's value.

Certified through geographical indication (GI) marks and by programs that assure both fair trade and good-quality products. Thus, steps for the restoration of this tradition have been made.

Pashmina Shawl and pashmina.com

The Pashmina shawl story, quite a different tale, a new Himalayan story that arrives in the middle of the night in the Himalayas. When frost still covers the world, a goat quietly sheds, a shepherd softly combined. Thus, a craftsman gently murmurs at his loom. With every fibre, they have woven a scene from the souls of the mountains of everlasting grace.

It is not that one keeps the warmth when draped in a Pashmina shawl, rather it is as if one is walking the earth with a story wrapped around one’s shoulders. Thus, the finest gift from nature, a display of human ingenuity and stoic spirit. Also, the story of serendipitous hands that turn the silence into wonder. And this is the case with Pashmina shawls. They are still telling their story, farewell to being a stylish one, last forever warm and timeless like always.

On the pashmina.com platform, we enlighten the world about the deep-rooted tradition of master-house craftsmanship. Thus, by linking the culturally diverse inhabitants of Ladakh and Kashmir with a global clientele. We commit ourselves to producing without compromising uniqueness, to support the Pashmina art tradition globally consistently. Further, to authenticate with the utmost confidence, which invariably benefits the Pashmina craftspeople and herders. Not only Kashmir’s delicate hand-weaving and embroidery traditions, but also the ethically sourced Cashmere from the lofty plateaus of Ladakh. The constituents of every one of our products stand as a marriage of timeless beauty, sustainability, and cultural integrity.

Also read: Grace of the Songs of a Kani Pashmina Shawl

Amidst the snow-capped peaks and the cold winds of the high Himalayan plateau in fabulous Ladakh is where the birth of a peaceful luxury takes place. The rare Changthangi goats, a tiny breed producing the softest cashmere in the whole world. These animals which can endure nature at its extreme. Thus, still be a source of beautiful cashmere, the long journey for which starts from the lush valley of Kashmir. The craft is the Ombre Cashmere scarf, an artistic representation of the color gradation. It shows the entwining of subtle hand-spun fibers and the dyeing of the colors.

Moroever, each scarf that uses non-toxic and azo-free dyes for its coloring is a celebration of conscience, craft, and color. It is a beautiful way of mixing sustainability and heritage with a touch of modernism.

Changhthanghi Mountains are the source of luxury

The Changthangi goat, a rare and robust creature lives on the high landscape of Ladakh which is both wild and barren. These goats produce an amazingly silky underlayer known as Cashmere wool. It is a natural way to fight the cold of the Himalayas, whilst they are among the most extreme conditions on the earth. The valuable fiber that is hidden under layers of coarse wool is not shorn, it is carefully hand-combed every spring. This is a moral and traditional practice that preserves the quality of the fiber and assures the animal's welfare.

Contrary to commercial cashmere available in the market, the Ladakhi Cashmere wool is much better and known for its uniqueness in softness, warmth, and lightness. It is the world captured in a region, the knowledge of old civilizations. And the silent majesty of nature at its most magnificent. Thus, all wrapped up in this wool which is carefully harvested by nomadic herders who have lived in total harmony with their animals for ages.

Pashmina Crafting of Ladakhi Cashmere

The transformation of wool into Pashmina accessories happens in the valley Kashmir, where the sound of tradition permeates through the wooden looms which are sitting quietly in the middle of the calm workshops. After cleaning and carding the raw Ladakhi Cashmere, the goods are hand-spread using a simple wooden Yinder, a spindle which is the size of the craftsman's palm, and the stock is drawn out. The amazing delicacy of each fiber's drawing calls for not only great skill but also patience which is almost meditative. The hand of an experienced spinner who is performing a skill which has been passed down from generation to generation is the only force that breathes out such a thin fiber; there are no machines to do the task here.

Once the yarn is spun the magic of weaving is done at the loom. The fabric is so light that it looks as if it is a piece of air if not for the exact. Also, an emotional interlacing of each thread by the old loom users. The effect is timeless but the whole process is done slowly and the whole weeks of work on each scarf can take a long time to be finished. Creativity of the people of Kashmir are the soul, the warmth of the human hand. Also, the fingerprint of the maker are in every piece of the art of weaving. These are not mere fabric; they are the past, interlacing and dealing making human and elegant.

Crafting of Ombre Cashmere scarf

The painstaking centuries-old workmanship coupled with the eye of a painter for color that decides the final outcome of an ombre cashmere scarf. Thus, a delicate dance between nature and the quintessence of the scarf. At the point of removing the handwoven cashmere from the loom it is just a blank spot waiting for the revamp. The gradual transition from one hue to the next like the coming of dawn. Thus, exactly how the master dyers obtain their smooth, gentle gradients. An ombre effect is a combination of both art and science.

It takes a soft and smooth brushstroke, a perfect timing and a natural feel for balance. Every change of color tells a story of ethical craft and design. Whether it is the delicate blush of roses fading into cloud grey or the smoky grace of ash to white. The ultimate effect is one of a beautiful, easy-going, and totally unique garment as vibrant and versatile as the woman who wears it.

Luxury of Ombre Cashmere scarf

An Ombre Cashmere scarf is one to forget you have it when its poesy of colors and velvet-like softness silently delights you. The luxury material is the best cashmere that has been sourced from Ladakh. Each scarf is a new dawn in the valleys of the highlands—turning with the reaction from one color to another. The painted gradation by the master artisans matches between these transitions of nature—the time from sunset to evening, earth to sky, and even from a whisper to warmth. This light as a breath and quite a high insulating texture envelops the wearer in a very special silence of comfort.

However, the Ombre Cashmere scarf is not only a name for its feel, it is an artistic piece and a wonder of the craft of all times. The Kashmir legacy of softer-toned hand-woven heritage of Kashmiri embroidery. Thus, blending the horizons of time and space while one can still be seen draping it over the shoulders. Also, hanging it like a painting the story is the same, the exquisite luxury of handcraft. Thus, the slow celebration of the artisanal, the beauty of subtlety and love for sustainable fashion.

Pashmina.com and Ombre Cashmere Collection

The core idea behind our concept is that real and true luxury is the result of the highest workmanship. Thus, the purity of the materials, and the wise choices made by the consumer. What we, at pashmina.com, deliver is nothing but pure and simple amazing stories. Also, the timeless splendor of artistically done handcrafts; it is also a place to discover marvelous artifacts. Every product that we display is not a mere commodity but has a complete record of each of its components. We connect the most discerning clientele to the wealth that not only represents the Himalayas. Also, the ingenuity of Kashmir but also places utmost value on sustainable development, ethical sourcing, and heritage preservation.

This notion finds its perfect manifestation in the Ombre Cashmere Collection. The splendid collection consists of seven signature scarves that show color blending at its most gentle and intricate. Thus, the designs are by the resident artisans of Kashmir. And the materials used for spinning are picked exclusively from the eco-friendly Ladakhi Cashmere. Even mother nature would be proud of these scarves as they do not have any negative impact on the environment. Also, they are comforting to your skin with their elegant dyes done with azo-free, skin-safe colors. Allow the Ombre Cashmere Collection to guide you in the art of owning luxurious pieces. Thus, be it a gentle approach or just another classic piece that can effortlessly uplift your wardrobe.

Also read: A Guide to Men’s Scarf (Part 1)

The Kani Pashmina shawl, acknowledged as one of the most splendid luxury articles on the planet, is the result of the Pashmina craft, the silent breath of Ladakh's winds, and the unchanging pace of Kashmiri looms. It isn't just cloth. Indeed, it is the anthem of workmanship. The singing of master artisans and the soft voices of mountain goats were now music. A song of dedication, endurance, and legacy.

Only in its history is the wonder of a Kani Pashmina shawl displayed, not only in its fragile flow or detailed pattern. Thus, from the gorgeous Pashmina hand-woven technique of Kashmir to the Cashmere obtained from the Changra goats of Ladakh.

From the Changhthanghi mountains

Changthangi goats, the primary characters of the story, which are the Changpa herders of Ladakh referred to as Changra. These goats are native to the Changthang plateau, one of the coldest places on earth, where the temperature may drop to -50°C. Goats develop a special undercoat that is warm, soft, and very delicate in order to survive. This undercoat is the global source of Cashmere.

Of course, the goats shed their undercoat when the weather gets warmer in spring. The Changpa herds have, for years, used a sustainable and ethical method to hand-comb the Cashmere wool. The fibre further collected, washed, graded, and then taken from the mountainous Ladakh region to the green Kashmiri valleys.

The Pashmina Craft - Spinning

Certainly, the transformation of the raw cashmere into a more or less miraculous one takes place in Kashmir. The traditional Yinder, a wooden spindle, used for hand-spreading the fibre into yarn after thoroughly cleaned. Moreover, cashmere is so thin that it requires human dexterity and the care of human fingertips.

So, yarn spun here is the Cashmere base, a tradition of centuries deeply ingrained in Kashmiri culture.

The exquisite Kani Weave

Kani is the term for the small, wooden sticks that are used in that sort of weaving instead of a shuttle. Each thread of a different colour in kani weaving all woven separately in accordance with the directions of a pattern code called Talim. A Kani shawl is thus recognisable by its design, created by weaving, and not by printing or embroidery. The Talim, a language of symbols, determines the place and number of threads of a certain colour. Like interpreting sheet music or chanting a mantra, it is a rhythmic, meditative practice.

The time to finish a single Kani shawl can be anywhere between several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the shawl. Some shawls use hundreds of sticks, each of which represents a different colour. Normally, a weaver only works one or two inches in a day. The motifs that appear are almond blossoms, exquisite paisleys, chinar leaves, and Mughal motifs are not only decorative elements. These are the representations of nature, the visual poetry of Persian influence, and the markers of Kashmiri identity.

Making of a Kani Pashmina Shawl

The best Kashmir cashmere, which is from the Changra goats in Ladakh, is first made into ultra-fine yarn by skilled artisans in Kashmir for a Kani Pashmina shawl. A Yinder, the name given to the traditional wooden spindle used for the manual spinning of the raw fibre, locally referred to as Cashmere, after the cleaning process. The spinning meticulously done by machines that are too delicate and sensitive for the yarn. Also, a very complicated and time-consuming spinning process. After the spinning, the yarn meticulously prepared for the weaving, where the old Pashmina creation tradition on the handlooms is further brought to life.

Contrary to the manner in other types of weaves, Kani weaving employs tiny wooden sticks called kanis in place of a shuttle. A distinctive colored thread all carried by each kani, and the weaver uses a coded pattern named Talim to instruct the exact positioning of each wire. This complex tapestry technique allows for a design to be woven directly into the fabric rather than being embroidered. The highly intricate patterns are a direct reflection of Kashmir's beautiful natural and cultural heritage. Thus, themes of designs range from chinar leaves to paisleys and floral vines. Each single Kani Pashmina, depending on its complexity, can take anywhere from a few months to a year to get the finished product.

Rhymes of Kani Weave

The creation of Kani is a labour-intensive process. Primarily, besides the cloth being made, one can hear the sounds of teaching and learning.

The threads are transformed into timbres. In fact, the made shawl all considered a melody of the song that can be worn.

Every motif is related to some particular characters and stories. Flowering vine is a sign that stands for both continuity and abundance. Initially, Paisley is a sign that comes from nature and is an already growing seed. The decorations are the woven narrations. If you wear a Kani Pashmina shawl, then you are wearing the story of the region.

Geographical Indication (GI) for Kani Pashmina Shawl

One of the intellectual property rights is the Geographical Indication (GI). A tool that helps to identify a product that comes from a particular region. Simply put, the Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a sign that gives the world the special qualities and fame.

The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 2008 gave the Kashmiri Kani Pashmina.

Besides safeguarding the originality of the sling, this legal identification also extends the protection. Thus, helps in separating Kani Pashmina as the one made with finesse

The handloom way of life and the talent of the craftsmen to spin and weave the fabric are the main reasons why the GI tag is given. Moreover, the consumer interested in this traditional and original type of product can also avail of this trademark, as it provides the knowledge.

Also read: Pashmina Craft – A dignified heritage in Handicrafts

With an allure of cherished memories, Kashmir valley is a place of heritage. Defined with richness and heavenly mountains, Kashmir relives the beauty of each scenery. Over centuries, handicrafts have been a point of regale to showcase the craftsmanship. Pashmina Craft is one-of-a-kind luxury that has surpassed the grace of intricacy and fineness. It is the crafting of finest Ladakhi Cashmere procured from Changra Goats of Ladakh. The legacy of Pashmina Craft travels from Ladakh to Kashmir on the breeze of defined heritage and traditions.

Pashmina Craft includes several processes reflecting hand-made qualities and authenticity. Moreover, during the 20th century, the hustle bustle of technology and synthetic fabrics that were easy to make made a blow to Pashmina industry. Yet, the beauty of this Craft reflected in each woven yarn as the luxury of fashion demanded the authentic and finest Cashmere crafting which is the luxury of Pashmina Craft.

Also, we at pashmina.com have revived the Pashmina Craft to its peak authenticity and luxury. The fashion statement of each masterpiece at our platform relives the genuine concepts of Sustainability and Ethical Practice. The legacy is revived in each woven yarn crafted in Kashmir valley. Artisans gracefully craft each masterpiece of Pashmina Craft. Each process from the very beginning follows a set of ethical rules and move forward to the concept of Sustainability.

Procuring the finest Cashmere

The Changhthanghi mountains are high peaks of Ladakh. Near the foothills of this mountain reside a rare species of goats called Changra Goats. These goats develop a thick wool when the harsh winters strike the foothills. The temperature goes to minus 50 degrees which is very hard for species to survive in. Therefore, nature has bestowed a defined beauty of these goats to develop rich wool which is considered as the softest wool. Eventually, spring season arrives, and these goats shed off the excess wool and feel the fresh season. Also, the herders of Changpa manually comb out the excess wool.

History of Cashmere wool and Pashmina Craft

It all started when a saint from Middle East was traveling around the world to preach Islam. He was accompanied by 700 craftsman. While he was visiting Kashmir, he landed in place called Ladakh and observed these goats. He was astonished with these goats as the thick wool developed on the body of these goats. This wool was very soft and luxurious. Therefore, he combed out some wool and made a pair of socks out of it. Later on, he gifted those socks to the ruler of Kashmir. Eventually, suggested to make an industry to craft this finest wool and make luxurious Pashmina Shawls. Moreover, his craftsmen taught the people of Kashmir several skills regarding the Pashmina Craft and people of Kashmir soon became the masters of this Craft.

Pashmina Crafting of finest Cashmere

After the Cashmere wool reaches the valley of Kashmir, the local cleaners clean the Cashmere wool. It is properly cleaned and thoroughly sorted. This process is manually done to sustain the softness of Cashmere wool. Afterwards, the Cashmere wool is handed over to the womenfolk of Kashmir who are the masters of Art of spinning. The Art of Spinning is the transforming of Cashmere wool to cashmere yarns on a wooden wheel called yinder. Women of Kashmir Spun the Cashmere wool to Casmere yarns that are finest and softest.

Moreover, the spun yarns are transferred to workshops or karkhanas of Kashmir where wooden handlooms are set up. The spun yarns are intricately woven on the handloom by master weavers by the process of Weaving. This is an integral part of Pashmina Craft. Chanting the hymns of Kashmiri folk songs, the space in the karkhanas are exalted with exuberance of heritage and traditions. Through each woven luxury, the beauty of luxury festoons upon every warp and weft.

Styles of Pashmina Craft

There are basically three types of styles in Pashmina Craft viz; Pashmina Shawls, Cashmere Scarves and Cashmere Wraps.

Exquisite Pashmina Shawls

Pashmina Shawls are the accessories of luxury crafted in the valley of Kashmir. Beautifully crafted with rich craftsmanship, the Pashmina Shawls are high-end fashion masterpieces. Pashmina Shawls are versatile and a traditional form of accessories that originated with the origin of Pashmina Craft. There are several designs in Pashmina Shawls including, solid, reversible, patterned, embroidered, printed, ombre, kani, laced, Swarovski crystals and shibori. All the designs are richly crafted under ethical practices and keeping in mind the sustainable concept of fashion.

Extravagant Cashmere Scarves

Cashmere Scarves are crafted with elegance and sophistication. These extravagant accessories are ethically crafted in Kashmir valley. With high-end Spinning and Weaving, these Cashmere Scarves are one-of-a-kind luxury. Defined with beauty and intricacy, these chic accessories are defined with opulence and rich craftsmanship. There are three main designs in Cashmere Scarves including Ombre, Swarovski Crystals and Solid Cashmere Scarves

Supreme Cashmere Wraps

Exquisitely crafted in the valley of Cashmere, these contemporary masterpieces of Pashmina Craft are intricately woven on handlooms in Kashmir. Defined through the legacy of centuries, these Cashmere Wraps are versatile and luxurious. There are several designs in Cashmere Wraps including, solid, reversible, patterned, embroidered, printed, ombre, kani, laced, Swarovski crystals and shibori.

The origin of the cashmere blanket, a very quiet place in the distant highlands, where the very soft winds carry the stories of the earth. The fibre, made from the delicate undercoat of mountain goats, carefully brushed directly under the snow-covered peaks. It is the softest fibre of nature's toughest, secreted very light and very warm. With each fibre, a soft voice of wild nature and old traditions is given, mixed and spun by the hands of people who have respect for and the skill of their craft.

To make a cashmere blanket is not to simply combine the threads, but to create a product that brings comfort to you. Every touch, twist, and loombeay, a point in a very soft music made by the blending of the rare fibres into warm gifts for future generations. What follows? A feeling of complete peace that encloses like a very old song and is very close to a sigh of a cold morning.

Ladakh and Ladakhi Cashmere

Ladakh, perched over 14,000 feet above sea level, is a land of raw beauty and elemental extremes. It is here that the Changthangi goats roam, tended by the nomadic Changpa herders.

The temperature at Changthangi Mountain goes to -50°C due to the high altitudes. The habitat at the foothills lives in this harsh climate by coping with the weather in its own specific way. A rare species of goats, Changra Goats, live in the habitat. They develop a thick wool over their bodies to protect themselves from the cold. Further, the seasons change and spring arrives with its hands of breeze and sunshine. The goats shed off the excess wool to relieve themselves of warmth. Additionally, the Changpa herders manually comb out the excess wool. This wool is transferred to the valley of Kashmir for crafting in Pashmina.

From Ladakh to Kashmir...

Crafting a Cashmere blanket begins when the Cashmere wool reaches the valley of Kashmir. The local cleaners clean the wool and transfer the sorted fine Cashmere wool for the process of spinning. The women of the Kashmir valley spin the fine Cashmere wool into Cashmere yarns on a wooden wheel, yinder.
Further, the Cashmere yarns all taken to the handlooms of the valley for the process of Weaving. The Cashmere yarns are woven together to form a Cashmere blanket. The further designing steps decide what style of Cashmere Blanket the particular piece takes.

Exquisite Weaving of Cashmere Blanket

The beautiful Pashmina handicraft weaving of cashmere blankets, a history of the last 100 years deeply embedded in the high and cold areas of the Himalayas. Cashmere, taken from the soft cushion under the skin of Changthangi goats that live in cold lands. Distinguished by its incomparable thinness, warmth, and lightness. It all starts with the gentle combing and picking of the wool by hand. Afterwards, thorough cleaning and spinning with the use of wooden spindles.

The making of a cashmere blanket in the Pashmina style is more than just a craft; it is the transmission of skills and techniques of weaving from one generation to another. Traditional handlooms and patterns, as well as the technique, are the tools of the master weavers for the successful weaver's work. Thus, it requires a lot of patience and competence. The blankets,covered with delicate embroidery or have subtle patterns; thus, no two designs are the same.

Cashmere Blankets all crafted on the handlooms set up at karkhanas or workshops in the Kashmir Valley. With significant beauty of rich warmth, the luxury is hand-woven by master artisans.

• Twill Weave: The diagonal pattern with high intricacy creates durability and enough warmth.
• Plain weave: Breathable weave with warps and wefts interlinked with plain patterns.
• Diamond or Herringbone Weave: The ultimate Pashmina weave with warps and wefts entangled with each other to create a form of diamond.

Luxury of Cashmere Blankets

Cashmere blankets represent the ideal of a comforting and sophisticated life. Made from the extremely soft pure undercoat of cashmere goats. These blankets offer unbeatable heat, but at the same time are not heavy. Thus, making them a must-have item in any house and a total delight for the senses.

The fibres are so thin and fragile that the end result is a fabric absolutely pleasing to the touch of the skin. Besides that, cashmere is a natural fabric that adjusts to body temperature. Thus, during winter one will be comfortably warm while in a warmer season they will get a bit of a breeze.

Moreover, cashmere blankets not only provide comfort, but still, they are also a representation of a luxury that lasts forever. As a matter of fact, they are often woven with the most accurate and precise craftsmanship. Thus, capable of bringing a soft and delicate touch of high-living to any room of the house.

A wide variety of softly toned and timelessly patterned fabrics side products are for sale to make it easier to match everyone bedroom concept and the latest trend of interior designs.

Even though beautiful as the product's name carries high prices, their safety and classic styles retain them as the rightful allies of the rich life with an eye for the elegant affairs of the world.

Legacy of Slow Fashion

While the world filled with fast fashion, cashmere blankets keep the flame of nature’s slow fashion principles, quality, sustainability, and timeless elegance alive. Made out of the finest fabric of Kashmir goats after combing and weaving. These are very old hand techniques handed over from one generation to another. Every single item is a pledge of the highest quality and exudes the feel of having been made by the same medieval craftsmen whose skills. Also, stitching techniques have remained the same for hundreds of years.

On top of their sumptuous texture, cashmere blankets are made with sustainable materials. Pashmina.com strongly advocates the usage of 100% natural fibres in its products that become more beautiful with time and can even have a lifespan of more than one generation. Such a philosophy not only minimizes waste but also helps good practices, which can easily be seen in the programs that not only provide training but also create possibilities for ethical negotiations with the brand in a place like pashmina.com For example, our blankets are created by visually and hearing-impaired artisans from Kashmir, who via their work illustrate how slow fashion can be a positive force in the society.

What makes cashmere blankets irresistible is the fact that they are not just a passing trend but actually a source of comfort and style that lasts for a very long time. Their elegant character turns them into keepsakes, passed down from one generation to the next. By wearing such garments, customers are embracing the concept of a business that treasures durability over novelty. Thus, creating for them a more profound relationship not only with the products but also with the tales they tell.

Also read: Ladakh – The Land of Finest Cashmere

The comfort of our homes leaves us with immense memories. Home, for a person, is a space reflecting moments filled with warmth. A Cashmere blanket fills your heart with the warmth of a home. Redefining legacy and richness with utmost intricacy, Cashmere blankets define warmth.

The love for cashmere is one of the few joys in life that is as pleasurable and as personal. It covers your body with a soft warmth even less than the scent of a lover's breath. Made of the same elements as the highlands and the great patience of the Himalayan goats, every single fibre is a reminiscence of the fogs and the resiliency in the mountains. A cashmere blanket is the epitome of glamour - a small luxury that does not speak out loud but only by touch.

A cashmere blanket is the perfect companion when the desire is to be warm; it sings the same song, but with its softness. Even more with every fold, it narrates a tale of skill, of ancestors and of people who love the art of making you feel comfortable. It can be a soft touch on a sleeping baby or a gorgeous play of colours. Thus, light coming from a room of calm and peace. It is a world that is too fast and a place that is too cold, where the luxury of cashmere does not let you go but rather asks you to take that deep breath.

Procurement of finest Ladakhi Cashmere

In the pristine wildness of the Changthang Plateau, where the endangered Changra goats wander at elevations of more than 14,000 feet, the best Ladakhi Cashmere is first procured. These goats grow a very fine undercoat, nature's most beautiful insulation, to withstand the severe winters in the area.

The finest Cashmere thus procured from Changra Goats. These goats dwell near the foothills of Changthangi. A rare species of goats, Changra Goats, reside near the foothills of the Changthangi terrain. The goats develop a thick wool over their bodies to adapt to the harsh winter climate. When the temperature goes to -50°C, the goats develop an undercoat of thick wool.

When the spring comes, the goats relieve themselves of the fine wool to feel the fresh breeze of the winds. Additionally, the herders comb the wool from the bodies of goats. The whole process is natural shedding. Moreover, the combing done manual and excess wool is combed out. The process favours the breed of goats to make them adaptable to the climate of spring. Therefore, the ethical procuring of Ladakhi Cashmere all witnessed across Ladakh to form a legacy of Pashmina Craft in the Kashmir Valley

Craft of Pashmina

After the finest Cashmere all procured, the tufts of wool are packed and transferred to Kashmir. The Cashmere wool thus received with high applause for its heritage, and the craft begins in the hands of local cleaners. The local cleaners thoroughly clean the Cashmere wool with diligence. Thus, a 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 into Cashmere yarns. Women spindle the Cashmere wool on a wooden wheel, yinder, and create the Cashmere yarns.

After the raw fibre thus cleaned and hand-spun on a traditional yinder, the fibre undergoes a painstaking process that turns it into the finest yarn. It is so delicate that only the most experienced hands can handle its ethereal delicacy.

The exquisite grace of hand embroidery—needlework so complex that a single shawl can take months or even years to complete—can be seen in some pieces, while other designs, woven thread by thread in a captivating waltz of colour, adorn others.

Crafting of a fine Cashmere Blanket

Manufacturing a luxurious cashmere blanket is a painstaking process that starts with the selection of the raw material. The best cashmere fibres all taken from the soft undercoat of Cashmere goats, usually reared in the high mountains of Ladakh. These very delicate fibres thus picked by hand during the shedding season in spring thus the animals are only slightly disturbed. The shortest and the thickest hairs thus discarded, and the rest are used as they are the softest and the most luxurious yarn is obtained. When the fibres are gathered, they go through a very delicate cleaning and dehairing process to eliminate the impurities and the rough outer hair, and at the same time keep the softness and the characteristics of high-quality cashmere.

The raw cashmere thus first spun into fine yarn, and later on, woven or knitted by the hands of skilled artisans. Most of the time, these people use the same old techniques that they learned from their ancestors. Accuracy and patience are the virtues; each blanket can be a week’s work, and the handiwork can be seen in every single thread. The weaving is the stage where the texture and the endurance of the product become even. While the last operations done by the factory are a soft wash and brushing, which are means of expressing the blanket's velvety nature. The garment elegant, warm, and soft, thus decorative enough to be considered both an accomplishment of artistically wonderful and a luxury item, a fine cashmere blanket.

Comfort of Softness of a Cashmere Blanket

We, at pashmina.com, craft luxurious and warm Cashmere blankets. We mainly make an accessory of a Cashmere blanket, light-weight and versatile. With such a soft Cashmere base, the Cashmere blankets we craft are highly luxurious and cosy. Using it as a throw or a drape, both ways the Cashmere blankets glorify your homes and take the decor to another level of opulence. Making sure of sustainable practices while crafting such hand-woven luxury makes pashmina.com a one-of-a-kind platform of Pashmina Craft. We craft authentic and genuine masterpieces of Pashmina Craft accessories. Thus, making a way for a treasure trove collection directly taken from the cradle of Kashmir.

Also read: Ghutra Pashmina : A Definite Luxury

With the radiance of the breeze from the valley of Kashmir, the richness of every embellished Pashmina accessory speaks of luxury. Fashion redefined on the edges of the Lace Pashmina Shawl, catering for the high-end fashion boom. Reflecting each fold of Chantilly Lace alongside the finest Cashmere base. With defined heritage and cultural importance from around the world, the craft of Pashmina craves the legacy of Chantilly lace. The luxurious embellishment of Laces on the finesse of Cashmere fabric, handwoven on the handlooms of heritage.

Procuring the finest Cashmere

The temperature at Changthangi mountain goes to -50°C due to the high altitudes. The habitat at the foothills lives in this harsh climate by coping with the weather in its own specific way. A rare species of goats, Changra Goats, live in the habitat. They develop a thick wool over their bodies to protect themselves from the cold. Further, the seasons change and spring arrives with its hands of breeze and sunshine. The goats shed off the excess wool to relieve themselves of warmth. Additionally, the Changpa herders manually comb out the excess wool. This wool thus transferred to the valley of Kashmir for crafting in Pashmina.

Pashmina Craft

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.

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

Lace Pashmina Shawl

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 the 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 thus 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.

To have a Luxury of Lace Pashmina Shawl is not only about a stylish look, it is also about the quality of the culture and the craftsmanship it represents. As a matter of fact, it can be seen as a prized possession that can be bought for oneself as a treat, or, on the contrary, given away as a stylish gift. This pashmina is symbolic of a kind of extravagance that is modest and of lasting prettiness. This feeling is strengthened when it is associated with the Luxury of Lace Pashmina shawl, as it is not only an accessory, but something that one can anytime pass down as a timeless heritage in the years to come.

Luxury of Lace Pashmina Shawl

The Luxury of Lace Pashmina Shawl is one of the most spectacular items to have in your wardrobe. It perfectly represents the blend of delicate craftsmanship and a deep-rooted heritage of exquisite textiles. Hand-woven from the finest Cashmere wool, and its elegance is further emphasised with lacework that is so intricate, signifying the hours of artistry of the same nature being passed from generation to generation. The lace motifs are miniature and meticulous, and they bring out that aspect of purity in the pashmina shawl that everybody loves.

The shawl is designed in such a way that it is easy to put on and take off, and you can wrap it around your shoulders to stay warm and look elegant. It is the right choice for taking with you to a party at night, or going to a formal meeting, or even for dressing up your boring casual look. The texture is light, but if you use it in a warm way, it will be very comfortable, and you will still be able to wear it in style. It is available in various hues that are both chic and timeless, which in turn makes it a versatile garment that will fit both your wardrobe and any other occasion.

Lace Pashmina Shawl - Embellished Form of Pashmina

The Lace Pashmina style, the beautiful presentation of French Chantilly lace over pure Cashmere obtained from the Changra Goats of Ladakh. The unique combination of Chantilly Lace with Cashmere presents the versatile nature of Pashmina Art. In addition, the dimensions of each style of Pashmina Art confer the definition of authenticity.

The art of Pashmina, well defined as an exquisite collection, is of premium quality. The edges of every masterpiece define the intricacy of Chantilly lace. The luxurious fashion of Pashmina Art prefers all styles with elegance. The face of Pashmina Art, adorned with the Chantilly Lace, is exquisite. Moreover, the high-quality premium Craft gets ornamented with opulence. Moreover, the beauty of Kashmir peeks in every masterpiece of Pashmina Art with the opulence of elegance.

Pashmina.com and Lace Pashmina Shawl

The incorporation of precious Chantilly lace in the Art of Pashmina gives the luxurious fashion a splash of uniqueness. The two handicrafts define beatitude through twirling with each other. The grace and allure profuse the glory of these Lace Pashmina Shawls in unique ways. The meticulous curation of elegant Lace Pashmina well defines the nature of glory in the most premium way.

We, at pashmina.com, craft the richness of Pashmina Craft with the touch of elegance from France in the form of Chantilly Lace. The richness of defined masterpieces of Lace Pashmina Shawl commemorates the fashion luxury by terming sustainability manifold through each fold.

Also read: 7 Myths surrounding Pashmina

The tinges of Pashmina redefine heritage and the tale of legacy throughout the beauty of Kanihama. Kanihama, a place where the songs of Kani Pashmina are sung. The style of Kani Pashmina Craft in the form of Kani Cashmere scarf redefines the culture of the Kashmir Valley through each designed luxury.

Procuring the finest Cashmere from Ladakh

A rare species of goats, Changra Goats, reside near the foothills of the Changthangi terrain. The goats develop a thick wool over their bodies to adapt to the harsh winter climate. When the temperature goes to -50°C, the goats develop an undercoat of thick wool.

When the spring comes, the goats relieve themselves of the fine wool to feel the fresh breeze of the winds. Additionally, the herders comb the wool from the bodies of goats. The whole process is natural shedding. Moreover, the combing done is manual and excess wool is combed out. No goat is harmed during the process; the process favours the breed of goats to make them adaptable to the climate of spring. Therefore, the ethical procuring of Ladakhi Cashmere is witnessed across Ladakh to form a legacy of Pashmina Craft in the Kashmir Valley.

Pashmina Craft

The tufts of Cashmere wool reach the valley of Kashmir. The first step is the thorough cleaning. The local cleaners manually clean the Cashmere wool. Further, they sort each and every strand of the Cashmere wool to pass the finest wool to the next step. The whole process of cleaning is done sophistically in order to preserve the opulence of the finest Ladakhi Cashmere.

The next step in Pashmina Craft is spinning. It is the transformation of Cashmere wool into Cashmere yarns. Womenfolk of Kashmir spin the Cashmere wool into Cashmere yarns on a wooden wheel called a yinder. This process signifies the sustainability of the spinning process as it empowers the women of the Kashmir Valley. Pashmina Craft has been empowered for centuries through the process of spinning.

After the process of spinning, the Cashmere yarns are taken to the handlooms set up in the workshops or karkhanas in the Kashmir valley. The Cashmere yarns are woven on the handlooms made ethically from forest wood. Thus, conceptualising the essence of sustainability and replenishment of natural resources. Using raw materials from nature, and giving them the beauty of accessories makes a whole difference in gathering legacy.

Crafting of Kani Cashmere Scarf

After spinning the finest Cashmere yarns, the fine yarns all efficiently taken to the handlooms set up at the local workshops or karkhanas. The master weavers set up diverse Kani spindles with distinct hues of pre-dyed Cashmere yarns. Kanis, the wooden sticks made from "poss tul". Around 70 to 100 kanis are used to craft a single Kani Cashmere scarf. Further, the master weavers follow a graph called Taleem to craft the different designs all across the Kani Cashmere scarf. Thus, the crafting of a Kani Cashmere scarf is a treat to see as the intricate weaving enthrals you with amazement. The skill of master weavers reflects the age-old techniques and perseverance.

History of Pashmina Craft

Pashmina, the crafting of the finest Cashmere, 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 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 the Kashmir Valley. Thus, perceiving the beauty of Cashmere wool, suggested making an industry that cultivates Pashmina Art in desirable styles.

Royalty of Kani Pashmina Craft

The craft of Pashmina has reigned in the beauty of Kashmir since the 13th century, as 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. 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, French empress Josephine owned more than 400 Kani Pashmina Shawls from Kashmir to complement her beauty with luxury. In India, the Mughals had a great affinity with Pashmina Craft. Also, Emperor Akbar had such a fondness for the Pashmina shawl that he gave it an admirable nickname, "parm-narm", meaning “supremely soft”.

Luxury of a Kani Cashmere scarf

The predominance of traditional accessories curls up through each masterpiece of Pashmina Craft. With modernism and contemporary concepts, a style of Kani Cashmere scarf came into existence. A scarf is dominantly like a Shawl with different dimensions. The specific dimensions of a Kani Cashmere scarf make it a luxury of accessible fashion. Thus, the opulence in crafting a Cashmere scarf defines excellence in creativity and intricacy. The warps and wefts all woven on the traditional handlooms with diligence to craft a Kani Cashmere scarf, transcending the grace of contemporary legacy.

Legacy of Kani Cashmere scarf

The Kani Cashmere scarf denotes the qualities of a rich legacy and impeccable mastery that is originally from the Kashmir valley of India. By employing the kani weaving method that dates back several centuries, the making of this lavish scarf with pashmina yarn and wooden needles (kanis) is such that one can hardly tell if it is a new one or if it is several months or even years old. At the beginning, it was the royalty and the aristocracy that had the privilege of the Kani shawls, and after that, it was the world that got to know of their existence during the Mughal era.

Afterwards, it was the European elites who allowed themselves to be captivated by these shawls, and so were they in the 18th and 19th-century fashion circles, not only mentioned but also highly sought after. The wrap's complicated designs—most of the time including paisleys, florals, and Persian-like patterns—demonstrate the coalescence of cultural impacts, which are the characteristics of Kashmiri artistry.

The Kani scarf has become more popular with the turn of events in the fashion world, which is more and more leaning towards sustainable and ethically made products, not only as a luxury item but also as a piece of living history. The Kashmiri artisans are the carriers of its legacy who keep up the tradition of this rare weaving art by teaching it to the next generation of weavers of this community.

Also read: Cashmere Scarf and Modern Concepts Advocating for Equality