Pashmina is not banned because it is the ethical crafting of the finest Cashmere. The procuring and crafting of the finest Cashmere in Pashmina Art is the forte of ethical and Sustainable crafting. It is also evident from the fact that Cashmere is obtained from a rare species of Goat called Changra Goats. The Goats are rare but they are not endangered. Therefore, suffusing to the fact that Pashmina is not banned. There are several species of goats that produce Cashmere for endless accessories. The several breeds viz;  Australian Cashmere Goat, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Hexi, Zhonghwei, Tibetan Plateau, Luliang breeds, Changthanghi, etc. Therefore, all the breeds produce the Cashmere wool that produces the warmth. The exclusive breed of goats called Changra Goats is the only rare species of goats.

There are particular species of endangered goats called Chiru, or the Tibetan Antelope. The animal has been listed on the endangered animal list under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). They produce the fine wool called Shahtoosh. It is illegal to procure or craft Shahtoosh because it is not ethical to use the wool of an endangered species. Herders trap it forcefully and kill it and then skin the hair from its underbelly. Animal cruelty is the basic reason for unethical crafting. Also, the decreasing number of Chiru goats is another reason for its ban.

Ethical Procuring of Finest Cashmere

The Changhthanghi mountains of the Ladakh region are at high altitudes. Therefore, the winter in the region goes more than -20°C. The habitat is harsh in winters. A rare breed of goats dwells at the feet of the Changhthanghi Mountain. The breed is called the Changra or Changhthanghi breed. The goats are known as Changra Goats of Kashmir goats. These goats are raised by the local tribe called the Changpa tribe. The herders herd the goats mainly for the collection of thick wool. The thick wool they develop on their bodies in cold winters to combat the chill of the season. Eventually, in summers they shed the wool off against rocks, and trees to feel the air of summer. Also, the wool is combed out by the herders by hand. This wool is called Cashmere wool. It is the finest Cashmere in all the world around.

Pashmina Crafting in Kashmir

Pashmina Art is the curation of the finest Cashmere from the region of Ladakh into diverse styles of Cashmere Scarves, Cashmere Wraps, and Pashmina Shawls. The tufts of Cashmere wool leave the Ladakh region to reach the valley of Kashmir. The tufts are packed in small packets. Therefore, the Cashmere wool is cleaned, soaked, and dried in the sunlight to get the dirt, and grime of any sort apart.

Afterward, the Cashmere wool is taken to the households where women folk spin the Cashmere wool into fine yarn. The spinning process is done on the wheel of wool called yinder in the local language. The women spun the Cashmere wool diligently to get the finest Cashmere yarn. The yarn is collected around the spindles for further process. It is done by simple instruments that are homemade. An instrument called thanchorr is used in the process of whirling around the spun fibers. The Cashmere fibers are twirled around the thanchorr, a type of stick with a round upper portion. It is made of wood. This process is called pranch. The Cashmere yarn thus produced confers to the purest and finest yarn of 12 to 16 microns. The finest Cashmere yarn moves further in the procedure radiating the Art of Pashmina.

Handweaving and Styles

Afterward, 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, diverse styles like Cashmere Scarves, Cashmere Wraps, and Pashmina Shawls are made. It is to be noted that the high skill and diligence of the artisans lead to such tremendously fine masterpieces.

The True Craft of Kashmir

When a Persian saint was traveling across the globe, the journey of craft started. 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 Changhthanghi Ladakh. Thus, the saint landed its appearance in the Changhthangi 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.

Perceiving the beauty of Cashmere wool, suggested making an industry that cultivates the Pashmina in desirable styles. Even the name Pashmina, derived from the Persian word, pashm, meaning "the soft gold" is exquisite in being.

Also read: IS CASHMERE THE SAME AS PASHMINA?

Pashmina Collection that cherishes Sustainability

We, at pashmina.com, cherish every step of crafting the finest Cashmere. Working towards the betterment of nature by ethically crafting our collection is our forte. We acknowledge the concept of Sustainability by approaching each step in our crafting with genuineness and care. Our Artisans bless each masterpiece with a feeling of the ancestral craft of Kashmir. Pashmina is a feeling for us, including our artisans.

Also read: DO VEGANS WEAR CASHMERE SCARF?

When the popularity of Pashmina rose to its zenith in the 19th century, many fraudulent traders invested in making cheap Pashmina shawls. These shawls were either machine woven, or there was silk or nylon mixed into them during the process of weaving. The one-third category was those shawls which were made from sheep wool, then treated with softening chemicals and sold as Pashmina shawls. Similarly, there was a very famous category of an impure Pashmina shawl, which were called Faux Pashminas. These were the most well-known, and most of the customers still ask sellers for faux Pashminas. We will come to these later in detail. 

Innocent customers purchase any type of fake shawls, considering them to be pure Pashmina pieces, but unfortunately, after a few uses, the shawls withered. On top of that, there was no one to listen to their complaints, as the sellers wouldn't be available for that.  

This led to a downfall in the making of pure Pashmina wraps as cheap copies were sold for less. Hence customers got lured toward them. But when these fakes didn't meet their expectations, they doubted the entire Pashmina industry. As a result, the art of making pure Pashminas suffered, as well as did their makers. 

Purity of Pashmina shawls

A pure Pashmina shawl would be such a shawl which is made from 100% Cashmere only. No foreign strengthening material would be used in it.

After the advent of power looms, Cashmere would be mixed with strengthening nylon or silk to make it eligible for the wear and tear of the machine. This fabric, hence, would be an amalgam of a number of materials and not pure. A Pure Pashmina shawl is made from 100% pure Cashmere, which is handmade and there is no interference from the machine.

What is a Faux Pashmina?

A large number of fake Pashmina shawls saw the rise of Faux Pashminas. Faux Pashmina shawls are nothing, but an amalgam of Cashmere and any synthetic fibre like viscose. These shawls are super soft and smooth to touch, but surely not as warm as pure Pashmina shawls. These were invented in the 18th and 19th centuries when traders wanted to cheat customers. However, a category of customers themselves asks for Faux Pashmina shawls, either because they cannot afford pure Pashmina or they do not have a problem even if their Pashmina is fake.

Checking the purity of a Pashmina shawl

If you already own a Cashmere shawl and want to check if it is fake or original, there are some tests you can conduct. Let us find out:

The Burn Test

Pick a fringe of your shawl and burn it. If it gives out the odour of burnt hair, there are high chances that the shawl is pure and original. This is because Cashmere is natural hair and will give out the same odour if burnt:

A Matte texture

If this burnt part had a matte texture, and its remains turned powdery, the chances of this shawl being pure are high.

An Irregular weave

Hold your Pashmina shawl against a light source. Does the weave seem irregular? If it does, you are holding a pure, handmade shawl and not a machine-made one. That is because regular weaves are made by the power loom. The hands of a human can't make perfect weaves. 

A Shiny Appearance

If your Pashmina has a shiny or glittery appearance, chances are that it is a mixed one. There might be silk or nylon threads mixed into Cashmere yarn during the weaving process. Pure Pashmina shawl will have a matte appearance. 

Laboratory Test Results

If you know of a Pashmina testing lab, you can easily get your shawl tested. They will check the micron count of its threads. If it is in the same range as is that of Cashmere, your shawl is pure. 

Also read: AN ODE TO THE CRAFTING OF SOZNI PASHMINA

Buying a new Pashmina shawl?

If you are planning to buy a new Pashmina shawl here are some points you need to take care of:

• Always buy from authentic vendors who have a good reputation in the market. Ask for customer reviews. If customers claim him to be an honest seller, you can trust him.
• Ask sellers for the certification. Pure Pashmina shawls have a certificate of purity for a whole lot. If the seller is not able to present it, chances are that the shawls aren't pure. 
• Look for the Geographical Indication (GI) mark. If the shawl bears a stamp/label which reads 'GI Pashmina", then this shawl is 100% pure. The GI mark was given to pure Pashmina shawls. GI stands for Geographical Indication, which means that the shawl has been handspun and hand woven according to traditional techniques without the use of machines.

The timeless grace and unmatched elegance of the world famous Pashmina is only experienced when investing in a pure piece. Fake shawls will never give you the feeling of luxury and comfort that real Pashmina does. 

Also read: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SHAWL AND A WRAP

Have you thought of wrapping around some craft in the most luxurious way? We are quite astonished about some terms in the fashion world. Cherishing the craft of Pashmina is nature's way of telling about life with luxury. Belonging to the world out there, fashion confers to form a revere of creative aspects. Millions of accessories, their way of enhancing beauty cater to the whole purpose of wearing luxuries. In a world full of glamorous accessories, Pashmina bestows upon us the accessory of tranquility in the form of Shawls. Likewise, Cashmere, a precursor of Pashmina brings a lively fashion through Cashmere Wraps. In the most glorious and splendid ways, the styles by which a Shawl and a Wrap tangle themselves with the wearer of serenity shows the luxurious fashion around.

Mostly around the world, the concept of Shawls and Wraps are synonymous but there are differences. While shopping, one hops on the principle of preconceived notions. Therefore, it's a prerequisite to know which term defines what. And do Shawls and Wraps have different purposes? Before that, looking into the core base, the creation needs to get a word.

A Path of trance - Cashmere, and Pashmina

Cashmere, procured from the downy and wooly underbelly of the Changra breed of Goats from around the world, especially from Mongolia, China, Iraq, Iran, and Nepal is of premium quality. The Cashmere from the feet of Changthangi mountain in the Ladakh region is the finest among all. These are the finest fleece from the rarest breed of Changra belonging to the tribe of Changpa who are the traditional herders of Changra Goats. The finest fleece steps forward into the journey to a state of premium quality called Pashmina. The Cashmere wool grown on the Changra goats is to combat the harsh winter season. Moreover, to overcome the heat of sunshine, it naturally sheds off fleece during the molting season. The fleece is combed manually as well. Thereby, cultivated from nature to cherish every part of fleece.

Thereby, bringing the fleece of Cashmere to pour the quality of highness by cleaning the fibers. Afterward, the clean fibers are dried and soaked in the cast of sunlight. Cashmere wool is thereby translated into delicate yarn by the meticulous process called Spinning. Moreover, the artisans of the valley of Kashmir with the most skill in their beings work hard upon the ravishing yarn. The creativity of nature with skilled artisans is tranquil to look upon. Therefore, they are meticulously working on the creation of Cashmere to preserve the life of nature. Afterward, the radiant yarns of Cashmere woven in the sphere of weavers with an appropriate approach are fine. Cashmere transformed into the most elegant Pashmina with several styles of luxury creating styles of accessories.

An Exquisite Pashmina Shawl

A shawl in the creation of Pashmina is a basic accessory that has defined itself in the eras gone by. The glory of Shawl has been with the world of Royalty in the older times. A shawl is a bigger piece of cloth mostly worn to combat cold. They are mostly rectangular but in the modern age, there are different varieties in size of Shawls. Likewise, the different dimensions like; 80"×40", 90"×45", 110" ×55". Therefore the basic shape of a Shawl is a rectangle. The main purpose of the Shawl is not only to wrap up the neck region but to cuddle the wearer's upper body as a whole.

The elegance of Pashmina Shawls comes into play when the winter is cherished with the Pashmina shawls of luxurious craft. The intricacy and the premium look of the Pashmina shawl confer upon a wearer with glory. Moreover, hand Crafted Pashmina Shawls can be worn over the shoulders, up around the upper body, and sideways along the length. In all the styles of wearing, elegance remains enhanced in the sphere of fashion. There are numerous ways of wearing a Pashmina shawl to glam up the winter with elegance and luxury.

Also read: AN ODE TO THE CRAFTING OF SOZNI PASHMINA

A Contemporary tranquil Cashmere Wrap

In modern terms, Wrap is the altogether term for shawls and stoles. But in an actual way, wraps are the finished accessories that are casual in the fashion world. Wraps is usually the term for a unique style of the contemporary world. It's a subtle term for Shawls in a way that it normalizes the usage of Shawls. Despite being a fancy term, the Wraps cater to styling in an aesthetic way. In nutshell, it covers any loose outer garment or piece of cloth that can be covered around the uppermost body. Also, the dimensions are preferably 80"×20".

The designs and styles of a Cashmere wrap confer to the modern world. The trending designs are incorporated with an appropriate sense of luxury. The fashion world defines the presence of Cashmere Wrap with uniqueness in creation. The versatile styles glorify the wearer's sense of fashion in the most opulent ways.

Along the fashion of Shawl and Wrap

We, at pashmina.com, supplicate the terms of Pashmina Shawls and Cashmere wraps in the most distinct styles. The creation of versatile handcrafted styles in both terms is the main aspect of our platform. The uniqueness of styles and designs belongs to nature itself. We, confer to nature and bloom the fashion world with the most authentic and fine craft of Pashmina. Consequently, looking over to the skill of artisans, we substitute creativity with the highly skilled master artisans. The liveliness in the styles from Solid Cashmere to Kani Pashmina, the admiration of luxury festoons over fashion. The embellishment and serenity transfer an adornment to the masterpieces of Craft. Believing in the nature and skill of artisans, we perform the belle with handcrafted Pashmina in several styles.

Also read: WHICH IS SOFTER CASHMERE OR PASHMINA?

A Pashmina scarf is one of the most worthwhile investments one can ever make. Pashmina is the art of handcrafting luxury scarves from fine Cashmere wool. These scarves are super cozy and warm, such that one cannot keep their hands away from touching them. 

In addition to being warm and comfortable, Pashmina scarves are super fine and delicate. If worn regularly, these gentle babies tend to wear out and at times get torn. Hence, it is always a challenge to take care of something that is immensely delicate, yet so expensive. Because one definitely does not want this luxury scarf to meet its end before time. 

The way one handles sheep wool, nylon, or polyester scarves is totally different and harsh when compared to Pashmina scarves. Pashmina is sensitive, and even a harsh pull can have adverse effects on its base. Here is a professional guide that we acquired from fabric experts that Pashmina scarf owners should definitely follow. This will extend the life of your opulent scarf

How to wash these luxury wraps?

One should always prefer washing Pashmina scarves professionally. Dry cleaning your Pashmina scarf removes dirt, soil, and stains from the scarf. Dry cleaning also makes sure that your scarf retains its shape after washing and keeps the colour safe. 

Other experts believe that even though dry cleaning might sound professional, washing Pashmina scarves at home is the best option one has. Cleaning a Pashmina scarf at home is easy. One just has to fill a tub with lukewarm water and mix Pashmina shampoo or any mild detergent into it. Then let the scarf soak in it for 30 minutes and rinse gently with cold water. 

Drying a Pashmina Scarf

To dry your Pashmina scarf, lay it on a flat surface in between two large and clean towels. Roll both the towels along with the scarf so that they absorb the extra moisture from it. Now let it lay flat in another clean and dry towel, to slowly dry (even if it takes a few days). 

Make sure the scarf does not get placed in direct sunlight. Place it in shade and let it air dry for one or two days. Do not hang them, or else they will lose their shape. 

Can you iron a Pashmina scarf?

If somehow there are wrinkles in your luxury scarf, ironing is the best way to get rid of them. However, ironing Pashmina isn't as normal as you might think. Follow these steps for proper care. 

• The first option should be choosing a steam iron.
• If one does not possess a steam iron, then placing a cotton cloth in between the iron and the scarf is a must
• The iron should not be too hot, or else it can damage the fibre of the scarf. Keeping the iron at a low temperature is always the best way to iron Pashmina.

Storing your luxury piece

Pashmina scarves are sensitive, and hence extra care has to be taken when storing them. Always store these in a muslin cloth. Plastic bags should especially be avoided in order to avoid any moisture. Muslin cloth does not let lint grow. 

To avoid moisture, one can use camphor balls or moisture repelling chemicals to keep the scarves dry till the next use. Moth repellents are a prerequisite as far as the proper storage of Pashmina scarves is concerned. 

Always choose a clean and dry place to place these scarves. Fold these properly before storage, and place them in a place where there is no direct sunlight. If you are storing more than one scarf, keep them separated and do not pile them roughly without separation. 

Always keep a check on the scarves even when you are not wearing them. Many times moths creep from unexpected places and destroy these precious babies.

Also read: CAN YOU DYE PASHMINA?

Routine care for Pashmina scarves

Pashmina scarves need everyday care to survive and have an extended life. Here are some tips to keep your scarf new and fresh for decades to come:

• After each wear, brush your scarf with a soft brush as these scarves tend to catch dust and dirt easily.
• Always fold your scarf after use or during storage to keep the fabric crisp. Hanging it will ruin its original shape due to stretching.
• Do not wear the same Pashmina scarf every day. Give each scarf a gap of 3 to 4 days before the next wear
• When wearing a Pashmina scarf, avoid rough clothes, metal jewellery and anything sharp that might cause friction with your scarf. When exposed to friction, Pashmina experiences piling which makes it look old and withered. 

One can keep their Pashmina scarves young and fresh for many years if taken proper care of. Gently washing, drying, ironing, and storing is the only secret to the long life of Pashmina scarves. Treating it like it deserves will not only extend its life but also keep it looking new forever. 

Also read: WHAT IS REAL PASHMINA?

In the lap of the valley of Kashmir, a fine embroidery called Sozni dwells. Sozni Kari is a true example of the art style with precision and skill. Sozni embroidery uses thin needles and silk threads to create opulent floral or paisley patterns on Pashmina shawls. The heritage of Sozni Embroidery along with the craft of Pashmina is explicit. Also,  The handicrafts of the valley together perform the best of luxurious fashion series. Sozni Kari belongs to the skill of artisans. The intricacy, well defined on the grounds of creativity is exquisite. Moreover, the serenity in the needles of the artisans captures the tranquil threads to sway luxury around.

Sozni is practiced since 14th Century in the valley of Kashmir.

From the mountains of Changhthang.....

Every year the winter from the above world gallops the land near the mountains of Changthangh, India's northernmost mountain range. Moreover, the place is quite cold in the season of winters. The creatures of nature, the goats are termed Changra goats by the nomadic herders of the Changpa tribe. The Goat with the fleece of excellence thereby herded by the people of the region is of a high-quality breed. The herd people love the hardest life as with harsh winters, the care of the Goats is all up to them. Moreover, in the coming spring, they comb out the fleece and let it go through another process heading towards the creation of Cashmere. To this day, it's the Ladakhi Changpa breed that supplies the Cashmere wool to the valley of Kashmir.

In another context of the creation, Cashmere wool is the precursor of the finest Pashmina. Cashmere from the undercoat of different types of exquisite Goat breeds is obtained. Cashmere, procured from the downy and wooly pelage of the different breeds of Goats from around the world, especially from Mongolia, China, Iraq, Iran, and Nepal is of premium quality. Pashmina Shawls, specially made from the fleece of the Changra breed of goats the finest. Harvested during the season of spring is favorable for these goats for shedding their undercoats. Moreover, manually combed during the molting season by the skilled workers shows perseverance for the high quality.

......To the Valley of Kashmir

On reaching the valley of paradise, Kashmir, the tufts of Cashmere Wool prepared for the process of Spinning are fine. Before that, the finest fleece, brought to the loom to make versatile pashms are wholly cleaned. Then, bring the fleece of Cashmere to pour the quality of highness by cleaning the fibers. Afterward, the clean fibers, dried and soaked in the cast of sunlight are vividly clear. The Changthangi fleece, chosen on its quality moves ahead. The diligent picking starts off.

The miraculously fine and delicate Cashmere wool manually spun over a wheel of wood called the handloom. With the work of diligent artisans, the Cashmere wool thus translated into Yarn of magic from where pashms, a Persian word for the king of fibers are obtained. Moreover, the weaving begins manually by the artisans of skilled diligence. Therefore, Pashmina comes into the world through these many steps of divinity.

Afterward, the dyeing process starts. A large array of colors in which the base shawl is dyed. The base color may be left natural or dyed to a suitable shade as per the requirement of the designs and embroidery ahead. The valley witnessed many masterpieces of Sozni Pashmina since the 14th century. In addition, the valley supports the livelihood of generations from that era to this present time. Indeed, it is Paradise that has made lives and crafts more vivid and authentic.

Agar firdous baroye zameen ast, hami asto, hami asto hami ast”, meaning

"If there is a paradise upon earth, it is here, it is here, it is here".

-Amir Khusrou

What is Sozni Kari?

After the commencement of the creation of Pashmina and Cashmere, the weavers took the finest craft to the world of Artisans. The magical and meticulous designs over the Pashmina thereby touched by the dawn of intricate Hand Embroideries are breathtakingly explicit. Elegant types of embroideries get infused with the skill of artisans. Thus, working hard for the revival of their resources. There are several Hand embroideries that believe in the magic of the hands of artisans viz; Sozni, Tilla Dozi, Aari, Papier Mache. Moreover, there are specific motifs and designs that culminate in the traditions of the valley reviving heritage in every masterpiece of Pashmina.

Therefore, Sozni, the hand Embroidery catered by the people of Kashmir is vividly the finest. The men and women bestowed with the gift of Sozni are mostly farmers. Moreover, Sozni is the most sophisticated style of needlework. It is the most tremendous and delicate artistic needlework on the design given by the Naqash or designer. Thus embroidery, created by using a needle swaying in the hands of the artisan swirling it in the way nature has complimented the flowers and leaves around is exquisite.

A step-wise process of Sozni Pashmina

There are several steps in the creation of Sozni Pashmina. The meticulous hard work of artisans gives way to the unique form of Hand embroidered Sozni Pashmina. Each step caters to the authenticity and fineness of the craft of Sozni Pashmina. Blessing nature with most sustainability makes the craft ethically more opulent. The process itself supports the livelihood of the people of Kashmir. In addition, caters to the unique luxurious fashion of the world.

Naqash Prepares the design

The Naqash or designer precisely draws the design to be embroidered on graph paper using geometrical techniques. The designs, imprinted over the wooden blocks for carving are unique. In other words, based on the design, a wooden block is carved by a woodcarver diligently specializing in the designs of Sozni Pashmina Shawls. He engraves the designs on a wooden block. Therefore, a very intricately carved walnut wood block lays the base for a Sozni Embroidered Shawl. Most embroidery workshops have a vast collection of blocks. Different blocks for printing the borders and the center are used. The master craftsmen manually print the design using walnut blocks. Printing, done in such a way that just a bold imprint remains for further process is precisely fine. Thus, embroidery one on the imprinted designs.

Assortment/Selection of Colours

The wooden stamped shawl is passed on to a master artisan, Tarah-guru who does the sample embroidery and determines what color should be used in the embroidery. Afterward, another master craftsman, Voste approves or asks for the changes in the design. Once approved, the Pashmina Shaw, passed on to the artisans for Sozni embroidery who completes the embroidery based on the approved colours.

Also read: THE TRAIL OF INDIA’S CASHMERE GOAT MEN

The Sozni Embroidery

Sozni embroidery work, done mostly from home-based workshops is explicit. For commercial established there are still karkhanas, workshops where men gather to work every day for the creation of exquisite Sozni Pashmina Shawls. The handprinted base cloth guides the skilled hand of the embroiderer. Moreover, crafted by many stitches viz; darning, double darning, herringbone, knots. Thus, giving it a profound intricate look. The process itself is complex that needs the great skill of artisans who work diligently over every masterpiece. The jiggling of thread and needle gives an astonishing pattern that reaches up to the mark of genuineness. Also, the most popular motifs are abstract geometric designs, paisleys, flowers, and many other traditional motifs of uniqueness. Both sides of the shawl have a detailed workaround. The Sozni work has incorporated tradition in its creation for ages of the Embroidered Pashmina.

Washing and Ironing a Sozni Pashmina Shawl

The final washing is of the shawl is done in spring water with mild detergents. Also, striking the fabric repeatedly against a smooth stone by a specialist washer is a pre-requisite. The washing process is done in huge cemented units called vatkadals. It is a labor-intensive process that requires free-flowing water and many skilled hands. Also, Sozni pashmina Shawls, dried on wires or on the ground out in the open are fine. Furthermore, each shawl is rolled and pressed over a large rotating drum for evenness and a final look. After a long and arduous process, the Sozni Pashmina shawls are folded and ready for market of fashion.

Also read: LUXURY FESTOONS ON LACED PASHMINA

Exceptionally Unique Sozni Pashmina

We, at Pashmina.com, revive the heritage of the valley of Kashmir. Catering to men and women with or exquisite collection of Sozni Pashmina Shawls. The uniqueness and authenticity of the Sozni Pashmina are preserved in our collection. The men's collection caters to all men out there with divine yet simple Pashmina Shawls including Sozni Pashmina. Artisans with high skill and glory of hands, supported at our platform are our main requisite. Right from the paradise of Kashmir, Sozni Pashmina Shawls are moved to our warehouse for packing the opulence. The luxurious accessories like Sozni Pashmina glance upon the wearer with eyes of glamour. Therefore, revive the culture and fashion together by making a masterpiece of Sozni pashmina your belonging. Let the presence of the wearer shine over the sky of fashion naming the luxury to its loudest word in the nature of Pashmina Craft.

Also read: KASHMIRI SHAWLS DURING THE DOGRA PERIOD

Cashmere is the finest wool procured from Changra Goats of Ladakh. The journey of procuring starts when Changra Goats develop an undercoat of fine wool. While Pashmina is the crafting of the finest wool of Changra. They are two interrelated terms defining the luxury of fashion in a definite way. There are diverse breeds of Cashmere producing goats. The several breeds viz;  Australian Cashmere Goat, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Hexi, Zhonghwei, Tibetan Plateau, Luliang breeds, Changthanghi, 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. Pashmina is the Art of crafting this fine wool in several styles and designs. Cashmere wool is the softest while Pashmina is it crafting.

Cashmere is the finest wool from Changhthanghi while Pashmina is the crafting of it.

How is Cashmere procured?

The Changhthanghi mountain in the Ladakh region is at a high altitude. The winters are the coldest there. The temperature goes to minus 20°C. A rare breed of goats dwells in the feet of mountains. The Goats are called Changra Goats. They are also called Kashmir Goats. The goats develop thick wool on their bodies in winter to overcome the cold season. The goats are mainly raised for the production of fine wool. As, in summers, the goats shed wool to feel the air of summer. The wool is manually combed out by the herders of the Changpa tribe who raise the Goats of Changhthanghi. The soft wool is called Cashmere wool.

Cashmere wool of Ladakh is the finest. Although, there are several breeds of Cashmere producing goats. Yet, the finest is the Ladakhi Cashmere. The Ladakhi Cashmere is soft, fine wool. It is 10 to 16 microns in diameter. It is the finest wool with premium purity of nature. Cashmere Wool is crafted further to make luxuriously fine accessories by the Art of Pashmina. The Art of Pashmina prevails for ages in the Valley of Kashmir.

The beauty of Pashmina Art

Art of Pashmina begins as soon as the packets of Cashmere wool reach the valley of Kashmir. The tufts of Cashmere wool are cleaned, soaked, and dried to further get the premium Cashmere wool. The Cashmere wool is further moved ahead to the process of Spinning. Spinning is the meticulous process of transforming Cashmere wool into the finest cashmere yarn. Mostly, womenfolk of the Kashmir Valley perform the meticulous process of Spinning. After the Spinning process, the fine Cashmere yarn is moved to the next process called Weaving.

The process of Weaving is the intricately turning the Cashmere yarn into the finest Cashmere fabric. The warps and wefts are sophistically woven with each other to present the meticulous Cashmere Fabric to the further process of designing. The weaving is mostly done by menfolk of the valley on the handlooms made of forest wood. The artisans weave by using their feet in coordination with their hands. The meticulous harmony of aura and artisan creates the fine Cashmere Fabric.

Further, the Cashmere fabric goes onto the designing process. The designing starts as soon as the Cashmere fabric reaches the hands of artisans. The diverse styles are given to the Cashmere Fabric. Thus, creating a wide array of masterpieces. Henceforth, the Art of Pashmina is the creation of diverse accessories from the finest Cashmere. The versatile designs confer to the world of luxury in several ways. The distinct styles cater to all genders. The styles and designs perform the ways of luxurious fashion in the most elegant looks.

Fineness and Production of Cashmere

The fineness or Softness of Cashmere is to an extreme. It is the premium wool that provides warmth with the touch of the heavens. When you touch Cashmere after being fully crafted, the aroma and feeling profuse utmost pleasure. Beautifully crafted in the realm of Kashmir Valley, the reflection of each masterpiece of Pashmina Art is explicit. An aura of mountains, rivers, lakes, and seasons is felt every you wear a Pashmina accessory.

In addition, the Changra Goats produce fine Cashmere wool once every year. Therefore, only around 80 to 170 gm of Ladakhi Cashmere are produced during a year. Therefore, considered the rarest. Also, other breeds of it produce several times more as there is almost 400 million Cashmere eliciting Goats all over the world. Consequently, the production caters to the manufacture of different styles like Pashmina Shawls, Cashmere Scarves, and Cashmere Wraps.

Also read: WHAT IS THE BEST CASHMERE YARN?

An Epitome of Pashmina Craft

We, at Pashmina.com, perform as an aura of luxurious fashion for the whole world. The exquisite collection belongs to the class of fineness and purity. The support and empathy for the skill of artisans confer to their livelihood. The exclusive men's and women's collection delivers all men out there, a sense of fashion. They manage to acquire a trait of opulence by wearing our collection for casual, semi-formal, and formal. Similarly, the fashion for women has been in vogue and inspiring.

Also read: WHICH COUNTRY HAS THE BEST CASHMERE?

Having a real Pashmina is a dream for a large number of individuals. Women, especially those who are true patrons of the art and are inclined toward handloom products, truly cherish Pashmina, especially the shawls. The reason for this inclination is the making of shawls from Cashmere wool. The way they look and feel as final products is simply marvelous. With the onset of the winter season, Pashmina becomes the most sought for belonging in every woman’s wardrobe. However owing to its high price and a large number of duplicate products in the market (which one fails to know about), the task is challenging. So today, we decided to enlighten the true admirers about real Pashmina, besides the repercussions of buying a fake Pashmina. But first, we should know what Pashmina is, and how shawls/scarves/apparel is made. 

What is real Pashmina?

Pashmina is the fine art of converting Cashmere wool into luxury wraps and apparel. Real Pashmina, wraps or apparel, come from Cashmere wool that is acquired from Cashmere goats. Cashmere goats are found in high altitudes of Asia, and hence countries like Iran, Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and more. The finest Cashmere comes from Ladakh, North India, where Cashmere goats are found over 15000 feet above sea level. It is these rare and exotic goats that produce Cashmere wool as down fibre. This is manually acquired to produce shawls/scarves and apparel. 

The making of products from raw Cashmere wool is a huge task and at times takes years to complete.

How is it made?

Real Pashmina shawls/scarves or apparel are handcrafted traditionally. To start with, raw Cashmere is manually acquired by the local herders. It is Spring time which is the moulting season for the Cashmere goat. The goat sheds its wool in these months of April-May. The wool grows on the underbelly, ears, neck, and a few more parts of the goat’s body. This is collected in the Spring and summer season and sent for processing. Processing takes part in a number of steps. In fact, one shawl passes through hundreds of hands before it is complete. 

Post the acquisition of raw Cashmere, it is spun on a spinning wheel. This transforms lumps of wool into fine yarn. This yarn is as fine as 12-16 microns in diameter. The fineness of Cashmere wool gives the final products a feathery lightweight yet immense warmth. Spun yarn is now handed over to weavers, who are ready with a traditional hand loom to weave yarn into fabric.

Spun yarn is mounted on a handloom where it manually gets woven into delicate and fine shawls, scarves, stoles, and wraps. It takes a total of 3-4 days to hand weave Cashmere yarn to make luxury shawls. Post weaving, shawls can be embroidered or dyed as per customer requirements.

What is fake Pashmina?

Owing to immense admiration and demand from people all over the world for Pashmina shawls, especially those produced in Kashmir, a large number of traders produced fake shawls. Fake shawls were either sheep wool shawls treated with fabric softeners, or else Cashmere was mixed with nylon or silk and passed through machines to produce a shawl in less time. Fake shawls spread the markets more than real shawls and customers never realized they were cheated until the shawls started withering in a few years. On the contrary real Pashmina shawls lasted for a few decades. This was an alarming sign, and soon customers lost trust in the entire art. Women stopped buying Pashmina shawls from Kashmir, which led to an economic downfall for the locals. 

Aftermath 

As soon as customers stopped buying shawls from Kashmir, local artisans, who handcrafted real Pashmina shawls suffered the most. Their families were deprived of very basic needs because all they depended upon was this art. But now, no one asked for Pashmina shawls and the artisans either shifted to other jobs or simply sold their shawls for less. 

Soon the true patrons of the unique art of Pashmina realized that this was a big loss for the local economy, as well as the art form itself. A few of these revived the real Pashmina industry and took smaller steps till the real art once again started flourishing. 

Tests to find out a real Pashmina

If in case you own a Pashmina and want to test if it is the real or a fake piece, here are a few at-home tests to conduct:

The Burn Test: Cut out a fringe from your shawl and burn it carefully. If it gives out the odour of burnt hair, there are high chance that this is a real Pashmina. 

Matte and Powdery: Post burning, this fringe should have a matte look and should become powder if crushed. Real Pashmina is not shiny.

An Uneven Weave: An uneven weave means you are holding a real Pashmina. It is the machine that makes a regular weave. 

Rubbing the scarf: Rub the corner of your scarf against itself. If it produces sparks, it might be a fake piece. Nylon and synthetic products produce static electricity

An Artificial Shine: Real Pashmina won't give a shimmery or glittery appearance. Unless of course, there is an added silk or nylon fibre to it.

Pilling much: Real Pashmina comes from animal fibre after all. As such, it would definitely grow some tiny balls over its surface. 

Also read: HOW DO YOU CARE FOR A PASHMINA SHAWL?

Dwelling in the handicrafts of the world. The uniqueness of several crafts is assumed. In the mountains, a cherished craft substitutes luxury in distinct ways. Living alongside the elegance of the Cashmere, the fineness evolves everywhere. The splash of a gleam of opulence in every masterpiece of Cashmere Wraps, Cashmere Scarves brings the virtue of exclusiveness intact.

Underneath the mountains - Beginning of Cashmere

The Changhthanghi plateau extends into the region of Ladakh. It is a high-altitude region in Ladakh. The herders around the Ladakhi Changhthanghi are of the Changpa tribe. The tribe herds the rarest breed of Goats called Changra.

It is known that at high altitudes, the temperature lowers to the minimum. The winters are the harshest in this region of Changhthanghi. Therefore, the Changra Goats naturally cover their bodies with thick wool to combat the harsh winters. All along the winters, the thick wool reserves the heat beneath their bodies giving them the warmth of nature. On the seasonal change in climate, the goats naturally shed off the wool with the help of coarse rocks and trees. To overcome the heat of summers, they eventually shed off the thick wool mostly from their bellies, neck region, and behind the ears. In addition, the herders also comb out the wool manually. The soft wool is Cashmere wool.

After combing out the Cashmere wool, it is cleaned from the excess dust and filled into the packets to transfer to the valley of Kashmir. The Cashmere wool is sorted and undergoes several procedures in the valley itself. The cleaning, drying, and soaking make the Cashmere wool vividly clean. The yarn of fineness is transferred to the handlooms in the valley to weave the yarn into several styles of accessories. The whole process of spinning and weaving the finest Cashmere is called the Art of Pashmina. Moving along the art of Pashmina, several other processes like dyeing, printing, interweaving, and embroidering the Cashmere cater to the exclusive collection of Cashmere. The art of Pashmina cherishes every inch of the finest Cashmere to bring luxury to the world.

Exclusive Process of Spinning

After the thorough cleaning, drying, and sorting, the Cashmere is spun mostly by the womenfolk of Kashmir. The highly skilled women spun the Cashmere wool into miraculous yarn. The radiance of the yarn delivers premium quality around the world. The Cashmere yarn confers to the purest and finest yarn of 12 to 16 microns. The finest Cashmere yarn moves further in the procedure radiating the Art of Pashmina. The Pashmina art lives in every yarn of Cashmere spun by the womenfolk. The valley of Kashmir walks along the path of Pashmina art and craves premium quality and high fashion.

Unique Process of Weaving

The finest Cashmere yarn is worked upon further in the valley of Kashmir. The meticulous weaving of Cashmere yarn gives the premium quality accessories like Cashmere Scarves, Cashmere Wraps, and Pashmina Shawls. Therefore, the creation of the finest Cashmere fibre distinctly defines styles like Cashmere Wraps, Cashmere Scarves, and Pashmina Shawls is the Art of Pashmina altogether. The definite virtue of each process in the Craft of Pashmina belongs to the luxurious fashion. The world around admired the aura of every masterpiece of Cashmere in the Art of Pashmina.

High fashion Cashmere Wraps

The meticulous weaving of Cashmere yarn on the handlooms creates an accessory of uniqueness. The Cashmere Wraps are the explicitly woven Cashmere fibres with the most unique designs, patterns, weaves, and embroideries. Therefore, different wraps are distinguishable in their meanings. All shawls and stoles can come under the term of Wraps but not all wraps are shawls. In other words, the Word Wrap means "the outer covering". Therefore, in the fashion world, wraps are precisely termed as the accessory that covers the outer body. In the world of fashion, it's a contemporary term. Therefore, Cashmere Wraps stylizes every soul with its efficiency and elegance.

In addition, history has been familiar with Cashmere Wraps due to several reasons of luxury. From the contemporary style to the Old royalty, Cashmere Wraps have prolonged along with all generations. Meticulously woven in the nature of Kashmir valley, with the motifs and patterns of heritage, Cashmere wraps confer to highly Luxurious fashion. There are several styles in the collection of Cashmere Wraps.

Solid Cashmere Wraps

From the Changra breed of Goats, the finest Cashmere transferred to the valley undergoes the Art of Pashmina. Also, belonging to the clan of original Cashmere, these are diligently spun and then woven on the handloom in the valley of Kashmir. Moreover, these are the requisites of every fashionable attire. Solid Cashmere Wraps are thereby chromated with distinct colors by the local dyer called Rangur. Pigmented in every shade possible, the elegance pours luxury over the presence. Moreover, the versatile Cashmere Wraps can be worn in any way. Wrapping it around the neck or worn as a Shawl, both ways its glamour speaks louder.

Reversible Cashmere Wraps

The rarest breed of Goats confers to the valley of Kashmir with their finest Cashmere wool. In the valley, the diligent hands entangle to spin the Cashmere fibres. Afterward, the hands of artisans weave the warps and wefts with precision. Furthermore, Reversible Cashmere Wraps are exquisite luxuries that fall in the category of utility. This preserves every virtue of Pashmina Art. These belong to the people of admiration as the charm never goes off with Cashmere. Wearing one of these definitely caters to the opulence to spell its name out loud. The fashion world has remained mesmerized by Cashmere through so many eras.

Ombre Cashmere Wraps

The finest Cashmere from the Goat breed of Changhthanghi Ladakh travels to the heritage of Kashmir. The wings of Pashmina Art touch the finest Cashmere and admire it. Therefore, the solid Cashmere translated to the Ombre Cashmere Wraps by tincturing them with various hues to mark the exclusiveness of the artisans. These are the distinct Cashmere wraps that indulge themselves in every style, be it casual or party. Given a wide range of color palettes in their creation and design. Moreover, the season follows up with the Ombre Cashmere Wraps as it's the luxurious style statement of every wearer.

Patterned Cashmere Wraps

The premium quality Cashmere from the Ladakhi Changra explicitly defines the purest fibre. After reaching the valley to indulge in the Art of Pashmina, the Cashmere speaks to the artisans for opulence. The highly skilled artisans weave the magical yarn of Cashmere on the handloom. Therefore, in the form of warps and wefts, the designs give a sense of craft explicit in their creation. Moreover, with the diverse patterns like the classic strips, textured, and linear to ensure the beauty and luxury it speaks off. Also, they gallop every horizon of modernization to make fashion luxurious as well as contemporary. Moreover, the sense of newness with unique designs preserves a place of fashionable luxury for the wearers.

Printed Cashmere Wraps

The pellage of Changra Goats is the finest. The Cashmere wool from the rarest breed caters to the Valley for the exclusive Pashmina Art. After the spinning and weaving processes, the Cashmere Wraps undergo design for the exquisite style. Therefore, worked with digital prints. These create the stories of hues in traditional, religious, and contemporary designs. Moreover, these types of Cashmere scarves belong to the originality of Pure Cashmere with the tone of several prints. Thus, the tales of heritage, the religious offerings, and the contemporary agendas are some of the themes for the Printed Cashmere Wraps.

Laced Cashmere Wraps

The finest Cashmere moves along the hands of herders to reach the valley of Kashmir. After the basic steps of Pashmina Art, the intricacy is well defined in each and every masterpiece. One such opulent example is Laced Cashmere. The finest Cashmere is tinted with diverse colors and thereby embossed with the premium French Chantilly lace. The together ess of two handicrafts of the world revives the fashionable essence of luxury. Moreover, Laced Cashmere wraps bestowed with the creation of heavenly designs with Chantilly Lace are exquisite in their kind. The fashion world believes in the luxurious and ethical way of curating handicrafts around the world.

Swarovski Cashmere Wraps

The Pashmina art confers to the finest Cashmere from the Ladakhi Changhthanghi mountain. The rarest breed gives the finest Cashmere for the styles to dwell in. The different gatherings of handicrafts from around the world look upon the finest Cashmere. Therefore, the precious Swarovski Crystals, embedded over a Cashmere Wrap for the exclusive craft are exquisite. The presentation of the Swarovski Crystals Cashmere wrap gives a new look to the luxury of fashion. Moreover, meticulously procured with the skilled hands of the artisan bless the craft with uniqueness.

Hand Embroidered Cashmere Wraps

After the combing out of fleece from the Changra breed of Goats, the packets filled with Cashmere wool are transferred to the valley of Kashmir. The spinning and weaving of the Cashmere fibres take place. Thus, resulting in premium Cashmere accessories. Also, the intricacy is poured upon by the artisans in the form of several hand embroideries like Sozni, Tilla Dozi, Paper Mache, Aari, etc. The hand-crafted Cashmere with hand embroidery is the most aspired craft in the world of luxury. The skill of artisans and the intricacy of hand embroidery done for years make this type of Cashmere wraps luxuriously. The fashion world craves handcrafted and hand-embroidered Cashmere in the form of wraps. Thus, exclusive in creation, prosperous in fashion, Cashmere Wraps rule the luxurious aspect of accessories.

Kani Cashmere Wraps

Cashmere from the Ladakhi Changra goat is the finest. After reaching the valley, it goes through several processes of intricacies. Likewise, a meticulous weaving design performed only in the valley of Kashmir is exquisite. The Kani weaving! The Kanis are small wooden sticks, have a colorful thread around to present their wefts in an already warped Cashmere Wrap. Moreover, the weaving begins by galloping the colorful threads around the Kanis. Moreover, the artisans skillfully do the work with the hands of the heavens. A particular number of Kanis, used for the weaving of one Kani Wrap. Around 70 to 100 Kanis are used up for the design of a Kani Wrap. Moreover, the explicit designs over the weave are the Jamawar, Chand dar, and Palla dar.

The meticulous hand weaving with so many intricate designs and motifs makes one enthralled by the magic of the Pashmina Art. The traditional motifs and contemporary motifs are used in the Kani weave. Also, the whole procedure of Pashmina Art is done manually by the skilled artisans of the valley.

Also read: HOW DO YOU CARE FOR A PASHMINA SHAWL?

Revelation of Exquisite Collection

We, at pashmina.com, have a number of collections for exquisite Cashmere accessories. The exclusive creation of Cashmere with the heritage of Kashmir valley, well revived at our online platform. Moreover, the skill of artisans and nature cherishes the curation of Cashmere. We, directly take our collection from the lap of Kashmir to present the best premium quality accessories of Pashmina Art.

The purity and genuineness of each and every style of Pashmina take the revere in fashion. Therefore, the luxurious fashion festoons a sense of elegance in our collection. Therefore, the premium collection caters to all genders. Thus, bringing joy and opulence in each closet of the world is our requisite.

Also read: IS PASHMINA ILLEGAL?

Pashmina is the traditional name for the finest of luxury wraps made from Cashmere wool. Pashmina, basically, is the unique art of converting fine Cashmere wool into luxury apparel and wraps or accessories. The best use of Cashmere wool is the world-famous Kashmiri Pashmina shawl, which is acquired from Kashmir, North India. Pashmina shawls haven't been famous just recently, but have a rich and glorious history of over 5 centuries. It was the 15th century when Cashmere wool was discovered in Ladakh, India. Since then, the wool has been continuously acquired and processed for months and at times for years to bring into existence Pashmina shawls. 

The Allure of Luxury Pashmina

Due to its unique softness and pleasant warmth, the Pashmina shawl is also known as the diamond fabric of Asia. It is one of the softest, finest, and most warm wraps ever to be found. For this reason, special care is to be taken with regard to its washing and storage. The way we wash it, the way we dry it or store it, all decide its future life and condition. When good care is taken of Pashmina, it looks forever fresh and graceful and acquires an heirloom look. 

How do you care for a Pashmina shawl?

When it comes to caring for a Pashmina shawl, every little step has to be taken into consideration. It starts with buying a pure piece from authentic vendors. Later, washing, drying, ironing, and storage all come into the realms of responsible Pashmina care. In fact, the way one wears a Pashmina shawl also accounts for its careful handling. Pashmina shawls are gentle and hence need a gentle treatment. This means washing it gently, drying it carefully, and storing it properly for using it the next time. This is how a Pashmina shawl will last for decades.

How to wash the Pashmina shawl?

Washing a Pashmina shawl needs extra care. You can send it for dry cleaning, but washing it at home with your hands gently is a better method. To do this, one has to be extremely careful. Start by soaking the Pashmina shawl in lukewarm water in which a Cashmere soap or shampoo of a good brand is mixed. After soaking for about 30 minutes, rinse it gently with your hands. Do not wring, just gently squeeze the water out by gently pressing it between your hands. Harshly washing Pashmina will reduce its life and give it a withering look after a few years of use. Rinse the shawl a couple of times and when you feel the water is running clear, prepare it for drying.

How to dry shawls made from Cashmere?

Drying a Pashmina shawl too needs special attention and care. The shawls should not be dried like other fabrics. They should never be tumble dried. Automatic dryers will ruin them of their natural sheen and smooth texture. These shawls should not even be hung from a wire or hook. This can lead to a permanent change in their shape and damage the look of the shawl forever. Instead, follow this step-by-step guide to drying a Pashmina shawl which might seem a bit tiring but worth the effort:

• As soon as you wash the shawl, lay it flat on a clean and dry towel.
• Roll the towel along with the shawl so that the towel absorbs all the excess water.
• Take this semi-dried Pashmina shawl, and lay it flat on another clean and dry towel. Let it stay like that (in a flat position over the towel) till the time it completely dries. 
• Do not place Pashmina in direct sunlight. Instead, place it inside the room or wherever direct sunlight doesn't fall. 

Ironing a Pashmina Shawl

If you need to iron a Pashmina shawl, choose professional ironing experts for the same. However, if this service is not available, one can do it at home, albeit carefully. If you are using an iron, make sure you put the heat on low, and place a cotton fabric in between the iron and the shawl. Iron the shawl carefully on a low heat setting and you’re good to go.

Also read: WHICH COUNTRY HAS THE BEST CASHMERE?

Storing a Pashmina Shawl

Storing a Pashmina shawl this year dictates its condition for the next season. If you carefully store these gentle accessories, their life extends and they can be worn for years to come. But improper storage of this fine wool shawl can create havoc as far as the quality of the shawl is concerned. Pashmina shawls are made of natural hair, and moisture and moths can damage them forever. Hence special care has to be taken while storing these. 

Store your luxury shawl on a well-cleaned and dry shelf. Remember to wrap it in tissue paper wrapping. Try to avoid cardboard boxes and plastic bags to store Pashmina scarves and shawls. These materials attract moisture. Make the place, you store Pashmina at, moth free. Place some naphthalene balls around the shelf. 

Also read: WHAT IS AN INDIAN PASHMINA?

Pashmina is the art of converting raw Cashmere wool into luxury wraps, shawls, and scarves. It is raw Cashmere that is processed, spun, woven, and formed into a fabric. This fabric is later transformed into Pashmina shawls, Pashmina scarves, Pashmina hijabs, etc. 

Indian Pashmina

In India, Pashmina goats are found in a number of places. But the best quality wool used to make Pashmina shawls, scarves or apparel comes from Ladakh, North India. Indian Pashmina is thus considered the world’s finest quality of this luxury art form. Even Though the raw wool for producing Pashmina shawls comes from Ladakh, its processing takes place in Kashmir. Let us dive deep into the origins and processing of raw Cashmere which results in the birth of the most luxurious shawls, scarves, stoles, apparel, and furnishing accessories.

Origin of Indian Pashmina

The fabric comes from Cashmere. Cashmere is goat hair that comes from Ladakh, (India) where the Changthangi goat resides. The area has grim climatic conditions, as the temperature in winter dips as low as -50 degrees in a few places. As a defense mechanism against such conditions, nature has bestowed the goat Cashmere which grows over its body as down fiber. However, as soon as summer arrives, the goat goes through hormonal changes and sheds the wool completely (some portion is manually combed off its body). Herders collect this wool to be combed and processed. Processing takes place in Kashmir where highly skilled craftsmen await. 

Processing raw Cashmere for luxury products

As soon as the wool reaches Kashmir, it is welcomed by cleaning and sorting it. Then it goes through spinning - a manual process, where lumps of wool are spun over a wooden spinning wheel. this process converts chunks of wool to yarn. This yarn is so fine that its diameter is just 12-16 microns. 

Yarn is now handed over to weavers. Weavers mount the yarn one by one over a handloom made of wood. After processing it for 3-4 days, hand-woven yarn is now fabric. This fabric is the Pashmina fabric as it is a result of converting Cashmere into luxury shawls, scarves, or stoles. The fabric can be sized according to the requirements. Pashmina shawls are 100*200 cm (approx.) Pashmina scarves are 70*200 cm (approx.) in size. 

History of Indian Pashmina

Indian Pashmina isn't an art from yesteryear. This art has been there for centuries. It has been the most sought-after art since the 16th century when it was first discovered in Kashmir. Indian Pashmina has been cherished by Mughal rulers, the Kashmiri King Zain Ul Abideen, Empress Josephine, Napoleon, Kings, and queens of Persia, and many more royal rulers of the largest dynasties. Kings from Kashmir used to give the rulers of other countries the special gifts of Pashmina shawls.

Present Scenario

Indian Pashmina has started to gain impetus in modern times too. Even though it started as a traditional accessory, it gained impetus as soon as it adapted to modern requirements. Conventional patterns and designs found it easy to mingle with Pashmina wraps, and the combination came out to be so elegant that royalty all over the world got swooned. Gone are the days when Pashmina shawls were either embroidered or plain. Now modish prints and patterns have found their way over the gossamer fine fabric.

Also read: LUXURY FESTOONS ON LACED PASHMINA

A few characteristics of Indian Pashmina

• Post weaving, a lump of Cashmere wool is converted to fabric, it is immensely fine and soft, heavenly smooth and warm. Here are some characteristics of Pashmina shawls and woven fabric
• A large Pashmina shawl weighs only around 400 grams. It only gains more weight if its is hand embroidered in Sozni, Tilla, or Papier mache embroidery
• The yarn which is spun to make the fabric is just 12-16 microns thick. That makes it 4 times thinner than a human hair!
• Pashmina shawls are 8 times warmer than sheep wool fabric but far warmer than these.
• Pashmina shawls are timeless. In fact, a 30-year-old shawl looks antique and more graceful than a fresh one. For this reason, ancient Kashmiri women gave their own Pashmina shawls to their newlywed daughters as a wedding gift. 
• As the fabric is gentle, only hand weaving is possible to make shawls or scarves out of it. Even if embroidery is needed, hand embroidery is the only option.
• Pashmina is softer compared to wool shawls. In addition to this, Pashmina shawls never cause skin allergies and are gentle to the skin too.

Indian Pashmina shawls are a must-have when it comes to winter accessories. The woven fabric produces shawls, stoles, and even apparel. It is a must for patrons of classic art to give it a try to each of them. Owing to their versatility, producers now produce furnishing accessories for Pashmina too. As such blankets, curtains, pillow covers, and lounge throws are also made in Pashmina art. How graceful can this art get!

Also read: CRAFTING OF AN AKSI PASHMINA SHAWL