Pashmina gifts can be the most timeless and classic of all gifts you can present to your loved ones. Their grace, elegance, exquisite make, naturally beautiful colors, and a restful warmth can fill them with love and appreciation for you. Handmade gifts are in any case always better, but when a Pashmina, handcrafted by over 50 artisans is made with an extraordinary effort for years together, it shows the effort you put in choosing this as a gift and makes them feel more special and blessed.
The Royals expressing their fondness for Kashmiri Pashmina Shawls
A common question that we are always asked by our customers and friends from around the world. And we have always narrated the same story of a Changthangi goat. It lives in Ladakh and grows Pashm to survive the harsh climatic conditions in Ladakh. But today, we want to answer this question in a different manner. Pashmina is indeed made of soft Cashmere wool from the Changpa goat, but it encompasses an abstract element that is not visible to us! Apart from wool, embroidery, and colors that fill a Pashmina with a refined charm and allure, it is LOVE which adds more to it.
If it wasn't for the love of this art, an artisan would never tire himself beyond his capacity to prepare one square inch of a Kani shawl. Were it not for the reverence of traditions, craftsmen would never exhaust themselves beyond measure to work on the purity of their handmade pieces. If it wasn't for the honor of Pashmina, women wouldn't ever spin threads of 12 microns which leaves a weakening effect on their eyesight. Just because its makers have immense love for the craft, it is able to survive. Otherwise, in the present world, why would anyone do such a draining activity, over and over again.
The purity and perfection of the Kashmiri craft
It is simply loved that a Pashmina is made up by the artisans who are in their old age. It's the affection from women who even after tiring themselves from the daily chores manage to spin the Charkha during the late hours of a day. The same adoration comes from weavers, who could have woven a Pashmina over powerloom but for the respect, they have of the art, work for months together on a traditional loom so that the fabric comes out pure. It is a devotion from all over the world who cherish Pashmina and pine for just one Kashmiri Pashmina shawl. And we feel there is perhaps a no better way to show the same love than to gift each other the passion entangled in the weaves of a Pashmina.
Apart from being a token of grace itself, that makes Pashmina one of the best gifts you could ever give to your close ones, there are a few reasons to do so.
1. Safety
Pashmina - shawls that speak the tales of traditions and culture
When harsh cold seasons tend to deprive women of everyday comfort, it is the warm touch of a Pashmina shawl that gives them a feeling of safety and protection. Just one Pashmina shawl is required to shoo off crisp and chilly air and you can easily unburden yourselves from thick sweater sand coats. This makes Pashmina gifts more cherished.
Explore Pashm's collection of Reversible Shawls here..
2. Timeless
Tree of Life Papier Mache Pashmina Shawl - nothing less than a marvel in itself
Many of the best gifts we give each other have a certain life. Your gift might last for a year or two, but maybe not more than that. Pashmina lasts for a lifetime if taken proper care of. A timeless Pashmina gift will stay with them forever and remind them of your love and care for an entire lifetime.
3. Versatile
A Kashmiri Pashmina shawl dipped in warm red and bright gold shades
Indeed Pashmina is a traditional heritage accessory which has been worn by Queens, Mughal kings, and the nobles of the past, but it has recently evolved to imbibe from the modern world chic prints and patterns. Now Pashmina is a versatile accessory that can be worn casually, while traveling, to the office every day, or a semi-formal or formal event.
Best Gift for women
When she was a mother, she nurtured you, gave you life, and protected you. As a wife, she has always supported you and given you motivation in the days when you felt like giving up. A woman has given you all the care you needed and became your mini mom when times were hard, when she was your friend. And as a daughter, she has worshipped you and been responsible to take care of your needs which you yourself couldn't fulfil. As much as we loved to curate exquisite pieces for the women in your life, they will equally love to drape these around themselves in winters, on special occasions and on the most important of their life.
Black & White Kani Pashmina Shawl - A Timeless Piece of Fashion
It is her who always used to dress you when you couldn't choose for yourself. Now it's your turn to return at least this favor with all grace and grandeur. The best gift for her would be a handmade Pashmina shawl in colors that you secretly know she has loved. Be it a plain solid handmade Pashmina shawl, or a heavy embroidered one, Pashmina is loved in all its patterns and styles identically.
A Zari Embroidered Cashmere Wrap - a portion of your emotions, and a part of your tradition
It is your wife who has always been your personal fashion designer and stylist. How about you giving her style tips today! Give your wife the most beautiful token of love and gratitude for all the days she stood by you.
Pashmina Gifts for your daughter
Dad’s little princess has loved every little thing you have given her as a kid. Be it a new school bag, a new dress, or her favorite toys, she had always won dad’s heart as his little princess. Now that she is all grown up, how about gifting something which has a history of being worn by ancient princesses and queens.
Chic Print Cashmere Wrap - a perfect accessory for a blissful winter experience
Make your daughter feel special and blessed as you shower the warm touch and soft caress of a Pashmina shawl. And she still hasn’t grown to be a mature women, you can choose from light embroidery pieces for her family events, or a patterned travel Pashmina wrap for her educational trips, a swarovski studded Pashmina stole for festive occasions and plain scarves for her casual days out with her BFFs.
An even more special way to overwhelm your loved ones a Pashmina is to customize it. Be it the name initials of your friends or family, a logo of your company that you might present to your business partners and employees, the name of a newly born child for his parents, or any design your loved ones secretly want to stay with them, this way of gifting makes them feel more important and connected to you.
For the one who has everything
Embroidered Shawl bestowed with an Aksi Do-Rukha or reversible pattern
You might have people around who don't need anything, and it feels like they already own everything they want. It makes shopping for them really hard as your present may not be of any value to them. With Pashmina, you don't need to stress yourself too much. The timeless essence of Pashmina is never outdated or unremarkable for anyone. Even if the art patrons have a hundred pashmina shawls, they will still love a new one. So choose a beautiful Pashmina, maybe of their favourite pattern or colour, and see how much they will value you and your love filled gift.
Click here to indulge yourself in the Luxury Collection of Pashm
It's not just the beauty and exquisiteness of a Kashmiri Pashmina shawl that makes it my favorite winter accessory. My savior is Pashmina in many dire situations. Whether I need to look beautiful, or stay warm, or look unique and make an everlasting impression. Perhaps it is this versatility of a Pashmina which makes it the world's most cherished fabric. And every woman craves to have an experience of.
When I purchased my first Pashmina shawls (two of them) I never knew they would be with me in my most desperate situations. I thank myself for the purchase I made from an online website. It proved to be the fruitful activity I had ever done.
The Picturesque Kashmir - the home of Pashmina Artisans
It was the winter of 2018 when for the first time I learned about Pashmina. I read a blog that mentioned that Pashmina wool is so warm that it saves the goat - on which it grows - from a temperature dip of -50 degrees. While this was a good enough reason to buy a Pashmina, I further learned that Pashmina shawls are handmade, hand embroidered. Also, Pashmina would be a choice of nobles and affluent nobles back in history. I decided to buy just two of them, to try and experience what it felt like to wear a Pashmina.
The first one was a plain piece. Since it cost me less, so it was an obvious choice. The cozy warm feel of this handmade pashmina shawl makes it extraordinary.
The exquisite Pashmina Shawl in Lilac colour
The second one was an embroidered one with thread hand embroidery (called Sozni Kari Kashmiri), a Kashmiri Pashmina shawl where flowery vines spread in a Jaali pattern.
Carob hand embroidered Pashmina Shawl
There were many more ethereal pieces of Pashmina on the website, but I chose minimal ones, to begin with. Little did I know how much I would need them.
And then occasions started.
Travel to Kashmir with a Kashmiri Pashmina
It was December and our family friends, who live in Kashmir, invited us to spend a month of winter with them in the valley. We knew that the weather in Kashmir is too cold in December as it's peak winter. So I took my plain shawl just “in case” I would need it. But when the plane landed in Srinagar airport, this shawl was the first thing I reached for. My shawl was plain pink and this particular accessory can be seen in all my photographs which we clicked in Kashmir.
Nothing can beat the winter of Kashmir like a Kashmiri Pashmina can. In Fact I never needed any more sweaters or jackets during casual walks in the afternoon. Mornings and evenings I would tuck myself in jackets and sweaters, but pashmina remained a quintessential accessory all month long. It actually saved me a few thousand bucks which I would have spent on buying too many winter essentials.
Another beautiful Coral Solid Pashmina I bought after Lilac
Formal and informal Meetings
The next year I had a meeting in Hong Kong where many of our clients stay. So I, along with three office colleagues, had to travel to Hong Kong in February, and we learned that it's pretty cold here (12 degrees). It wasn't planned, but I packed my Pashmina (the lilac plain one again) just in case I needed it. And it proved to be my saviour again. I attended formal meetings wearing my Pashmina as a scarf, tied in a knot, or wound around my neck. This time I never needed sweaters or jackets. My Kashmiri Pashmina was warm enough to alone survive me in 12 to 15 degrees. I felt warm, comfortable, and super feminine in its pretty lilac colour and resplendent demeanor.
I had found the love of my life in my best friend. And when it was our first formal date as a couple, it was fall (I believe fall is the season of love). This time it was deliberate - as I consciously picked my embroidered Pashmina which was white in color as it perfectly blended with my red dress. I tucked myself into its cozy essence and went on to impress him incalculably.
It was now, when I realised that I needed at least one more Pashmina in my life because the wedding season had already started
Hand Embroidered White Jamawar Pashmina
Gift to my best friend:
To my surprise, my best friend was getting married next month. But there was something to worry about. This friend of mine is a person who has everything. It is always difficult to shop for her. Every dress, every makeup and skincare essentials, every type of gold and diamond jewelry, you name it and she has it. So I decided to buy her a Pashmina, hoping that she would perhaps find it unique and maybe like it.
The Blue Zari Embroidered Cashmere Wrap I gifted my Bestie!
Amazingly enough, she loved it. I had purchased a Tilla embroidered Kashmiri Pashmina wrap for her. It was blue with golden tilla over its base. My friend, who by the way happens to be a blogger like me, wrote about this gift on her blog, and the title was “the best gift of my life”
Click here to explore Pashm's exquisite collection of the Embroidered Pashmina
Getting Married in Spring
On March 14, 2020, I got married. It was 22 degrees in North India. But since I prefer winter weddings more than summer ones, I chose the month of March for it. The weather was pleasant and lovely. The breeze was refreshing and cheerful and the evenings were wintry. The exchange of vows was to happen at around 4, so the weather was expected a little bit on the colder side.
I wore a white wedding dress and aggrandized the same with my newly shopped Pashmina. This time, it was a fresh red Pashmina shawl and over it was an embellishment of embroidery which made it such an effeminate accessory that I had as many as 20 guests ask about it.
I loved the way it made my dress look prettier and kept me comfy all day long, especially when in the late evening the breeze turned chillier. But my long trusted Pashmina had my back and I continued to look the best version of myself all through the night.
Hand embroidered Pashmina Shawl in Sozni Kari
A Pashmina can be a lifetime investment. I chose Pashmina for almost every kind of event I was to attend. Formal, informal or just casual get togethers, this versatile accessory from Paradise Kashmir has been a reliable friend and a trustworthy companion.
In addition to being unworldly beautiful, Kashmiri Pashmina is a classic winter must-have for those who love to exude class and sophistication even in the days when skies aren’t so cheery.
The very touch of Kashmiri Pashmina on your skin feels so luxurious. It’s velvety soft and like a wisp of fresh air. It evokes poetry in all our minds; it’s a warm, comforting hug in the biting cold. Yes, it’s exactly that. No wonder, it’s warm and luxe nature has been patronized since time immemorial by nobility and the upper social strata. Pashmina is like wine, it gets better with age and intoxicates you with its sublime softness and dreaminess.
Cashmere wrap handmade in the loveliest of colours in Diamond Weaves
There are several misconceptions regarding this fibre. Some believe that Pure Pashmina isn’t expensive; it can be bought off the shelves of fashion brands which sell it at economical prices. If you’re one of those who’ve been lured by this practice, there’s a bubble about to be burst. You do own a Pashmina product, but not a genuine one.
Let’s get this straight. Pure Pashmina is expensive and rightly so. It is a work of art through and through and nothing less than a labour of love. It ticks all the right boxes when it comes to sustainability and unlike a lot of other apparel won’t wear out for a lifetime if you take good care of it.
Here are five reasons why Original Pashmina is genuinely expensive. Let’s take a look:
Kashmiri Pashmina is naturally an expensive fibre
The raw Cashmere used to make Pashmina shawls has been called the ‘king of fibres’ for a reason since it is the most luxurious and treasured of all yarns. The journey of Pashmina begins in the highlands of Kashmir, where indigenous Capra hircus goats reside. The sub-zero temperatures, soaring altitudes, and harsh winds trigger the growth of the diamond fibre, which comes from the downy undercoat of these rare species of goats. The name cashmere comes from the old spelling of Kashmir, which is the source of origin for this luxurious yarn.
The Changthang Goat in the highlands of Kashmir
According to the historian Michelle Maskiell, who is also the author of “Consuming Kashmir: Shawls and Empires, 1500-2000,” describes that from the 1500's to as late as the early 1900's, Iranian and Indian emperors used Kashmiri shawls in political and religious settings. For instance, in a Mughal Indian court, presenting a Cashmere shawl represented a hierarchy.
As we already know these goats are rare and found in the higher climes, but what’s even rarer is the limited quantity of the fleece it produces. A single goat does not produce this sheer fibre in bulk. You can get anywhere between six and eight ounces from a goat initially, but once the fibre is processed, you are not likely to get more than four ounces back. In fact, in comparison to the yearly production of sheep wool, which is over 2,000,000 metric tons, the production of Kashmiri Pashmina in a year is about 6,500 metric tons annually. That’s a big reason why this fibre is so expensive!
A Kashmiri Artisan weaving on a traditional wooden hand loom
Pashmina fibres are manually sorted, cleaned and hand-spun before the weaving process begins. The undercoat of these coats that is sheared or collected is a greasy mess and has dandruff and other impurities. To clean it and sort out these unwanted elements, takes longer than you can imagine. The local herders carefully comb the hair to harvest the undercoat and then the good fibre is separated from the bad, which then completes the sorting procedure. It is only then that the weaving begins, which is equally demanding and painstaking. It takes several months to a year for these gifted artisans to work their magic on wooden looms and weave a masterpiece.
Now that you already know its origin and how labor-intensive the process is, you can assume the quality of this fibre. Did you know? Pure Pashmina fibre is less than 18 microns in diameter. Yes, you heard it right. Let’s put things into perspective now; a human hair is about 80 microns, so Pashmina yarn is four times finer than human hair. Besides, the fiber isn’t straight, so when it’s woven, it doesn’t itch. This is the reason why it is also preferred as a baby blanket, which feels comfortable in its warmth and softness. Oh, and there’s another interesting fact! Pashmina is up to 8 times warmer than clothes made from sheep wool. We did know it’s a natural insulator, but this does come as a surprise. What’s best is that Kashmiri Pashmina is much lighter than wool!
When you invest in a pure Pashmina product, you know you are buying it for a lifetime. It’s a timeless fashion choice and will never get old since it exudes elegance and class like no other. It’s the epitome of sustainable fashion, so you know your money is going in the right place since it’s the blood, sweat, tears of the artisans that have gone into making your product. And like we earlier said, it’s like wine. Why? Because it gets softer with each wash, just like wine gets better with age. Isn’t that a valid comparison?
Invest in a Kashmiri pashmina and reap rewards for life. After all, like John Varvatos, an American contemporary designer puts it, ‘style is timeless. It transcends generations - it's enduring. If you're thinking about fashion, it's of the moment. And that doesn't mean that it's not important at times to embrace trends and that type of thing, but the style is less about trends than it is about how you carry yourself.
Explore Pashm's luxury collection of Pure Pashmina here
Cashmere is a timeless accessory and goes way beyond the vagaries of time and trends. But now can adapt to modern sensibilities and design. The product was earlier only associated with traditional, plain weaves in dull colours. But today there are a barrage of options to choose from. And those are equally meticulous in design, texture, and quality. Of course, handmade Cashmere shawls are still the favourite of most. But there exists a large consumer base today that loves to accentuate their outfits with trendy scarves.
This ultimate accessory is being sported by the who’s who of the fashion world and garnering all the attention! At Pashm, we understand the nuances of luxury and comfort. And that is why we offer a palette of trends that are rocking the charts globally. Believe us, you’d love to invest in this sublime, luxurious product yourself, once you set your eyes on our masterpieces.
Add a touch of sophistication to any outfit with ombre scarves that are handmade with the finest Cashmere. Wonderfully light for spring and still luxuriously soft, these are a must-have in any fashionista’s wardrobe. Wear it on a day out or for a romantic dinner date, there’s no way you won’t be the cynosure of all eyes.
A warm red, blue and pink Cashmere Wrap exuding an unmatched grace
These fine handmade cashmere scarves might just seem like a piece of fabric, but they are painstakingly hand-woven on traditional wooden looms, for as long as 12 hours.
The Chantilly lace, named after the city of Chantilly in France, is most light and delicate of all. The silk lace saw its apogee of feminine elegance. Now add to this, the luxury of handmade Cashmere, and what you get is an elegant style!
The Pashmina Wrap hosts a contrasting French Chantilly lace which spans over the fringes
Cashmere scarves have adopted the trend, wherein fine, luxurious fabric comes woven in with French lace and enhances the elegance to another level! Sometimes, these handmade scarves are also laden with stunning floral motifs that make them a masterpiece to own. These are again handmade on wooden looms and take as long as over 25 hours since the finer nuances are all taken care of!
Hand-embroidery is no child’s play. It requires great skill and craftsmanship. Each of these scarves carries a rich legacy of their ancestors and propagate storytelling through their work, especially of the land they belong to.
Pashmina Stole with the magical art of Zari embroidery
As these gifted artisans meticulously weave intricate patterns, it takes them several months to years to craft products like this. These heavily embroidered scarves were once preferred by royalty, but today adorn the closets of the fashion-conscious and the rich and famous. It is not merely heard say that Cashmere has carved its niche all over the world. And when it boasts rich embroidery, it will always prove to be a trendsetter. These scarves embody your personality like no other and remind you of the craft that is the purest form of sustainable luxury.
In the cold climes of Kashmir, in a village called Kanihama, the lives of a chosen few are spent in weaving a magic spell of warmth and colour. It is the Kani Shawl. Pashm is no doubt among the finest fibres ever woven. But initially, it is no more than a greasy mass. That is because it comes from the goat, mixed with all sorts of dirt and coarse hair from the animal’s outer coat.
The world famous Kashmiri Pashmina handwoven in the realms of Kani weave
To transform this material into a fabric of gossamer finesse, takes all the artistry and skill of Kashmir’s gifted artisans.
The design is formed on the scarf by the manipulation of small wooden sticks called ‘kanis’. These interlock their respective coloured threads as they complete each weft of the warp. A single Kani can have around thirty colors. An artisan takes months, working consistently 5-6 hours a day, to produce this delicate piece of art.
Utterly stunning and hand-woven, these handmade scarves amp up your glamour quotient like no other. Swarovski crystals are the epitome of luxury and style. And when it comes together with handmade Cashmere, there’s a lot of magic and fireworks! The best of the best have settled for the trend and for good reason! Often associated only with jewelry, this trend of embellishment on handmade scarves and shawls has taken the fashion industry by storm! It’s truly the latest sparkle spot among celebrities and socialites alike since they offer style, & the joy of warmth and comfort.
Cashmere wrap embellished with Swarovski crystals
The quality of the embellishments is an undeniable factor, and Swarovski is a master in its class, so it’s also about prestige. Available today in a variety of colours and patterns, these Swarovski-embellished Cashmere scarves are sure to enrapture one and all!
These trends will not bring you into the limelight but will also give you the feeling of pure luxury and style. With these scarves boasting utility as well, it can glam up any of your dull outfits and make you a head-turner wherever you go! After all, it’s contemporary and trendy at the same time, what more can you ask for?
Have you ever chosen a Pashmina for wedding functions? Or have you had a winter wedding? Did you ever attend a winter wedding? How did you dress up? Our stylists have some answers.
Winter weddings are fun. In fact, some consider a winter or fall wedding much more easy and comfortable than a summer wedding. Brides, who often complain about summer heat smudging their makeup, messing up their hairstyle, and making them bathe in sweat feel relaxed when it comes to a winter wedding. You don't need air conditioners, fans all over the wedding hall to keep you cool and your bridal look intact.
In addition to this, you can even host a small function in the garden without thinking about the scorching sun sucking the life out of every fun activity. So if you are planning to get married, choosing a date in fall or winter might not be a bad idea.
How good is a winter wedding anyway?
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when getting married in winter. Even Though the sun might not be harsh, maybe it is too weak to penetrate the grey skies. Then there is a chance that the bride, bridesmaid, and the guests would be uneasy, shivering in the cold. Or else, if everyone chooses to layer up in thick warm wraps and sweaters, they might have to give up looking their best on such a special day. But we would never want you to do that. Therefore we came up with a magical accessory straight from Paradise on earth - Kashmir.
Rainbow shades of Kani threads spewing their magic all over the lush Cashmere base
Pashmina - a word seemingly synonymous to luxury - is the best solution to your winter wedding woes. It is smooth as silk, light weight like a feather and warm like the pleasant early summer sun. When you choose to accessorize with a wedding Pashmina, you are choosing to spend your day in utmost comfort and looking like a princess from the past.
Bridal Pashmina Shawl for Wedding
For winter weddings, bridal Pashmina shawls are a prerequisite. Apart from keeping one immensely warm, these shawls look beyond exquisite. Pashmina shawls for weddings have become a new trend recently, ever since the art form was revived. The bride can wear it, the bridesmaids can wear it, and one can even gift it to the guests (wedding favours).
Given the varieties one finds in wedding Pashmina, the shawls, or scarves can be worn for various occasions. If one wears a fully hand embroidered shawl for the main day of the wedding, they might wear one plain for the next day, or a minimally embroidered shawl for the next function, and so on.
Historically, when Pashmina was almost unaffordable for common people, women purchased one wedding Pashmina shawl and kept it stored till their big day arrived. It was one big luxurious possession for the women, and hence they used to choose the best occasion for wearing it. When a bride left her maternal house, she would be covered in this coveted accessory as an auspicious takeaway. This culture is still practised in many of the households, where the mother of the bride gifts her own bridal Pashmina shawl to her daughter as the most prized gift, nostalgic of the beautiful tradition. Surprisingly, the shawls mothers give their daughters as gifts are never worn out. Infact, these over 20 years old shawls acquire an heirloom look, and look even more antique and graceful than a freshly handcrafted shawl
Why is Pashmina so warm?
Pashmina is acquired from the Capra hircus goat of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. Here winters are so harsh that temperatures dip to -40 degrees sometimes. The goat, to protect itself from these conditions, grows a soft and exceptionally warm fleece over its throat, underbelly, and some parts of its body. This fleece is so warm that the goat survives through the winter easily.
Kashmiri Bridal Pashmina - Handmade with Love
In summers, however, the warm fleece makes the goat uneasy. Hence it wipes its body against rough and rugged surfaces of stones, walls, bushes etc to get rid of the wool. Its herders collect this wool and comb the rest of it from the goat’s body (ethically). This wool is sent to professional cleaners who clean the wool and send it to Kashmir, where it is spun by skilled women and later handwoven by men over wooden handlooms.
The Pashmina so acquired is feathery light owing to the fine threads it's made of. (Note that the threads of Pashmina are just 12-16 microns in diameter). They are warm because of the innate properties of Pashmina wool which is a natural fibre embodying immense warmth and luxury.
There are several reasons why Pashmina shawls are specified for special occasions. Bridal Pashmina for weddings is a ‘thing’, because the shawls deserve special attention and special days to be draped. To start with, raw material (which is Cashmere in this case), has to be manually acquired from the highest and coldest mountainous regions of Ladakh. It is quite challenging to reach the areas and purchase raw Cashmere from the herders of the Cashmere goats. Post this, the raw Cashmere is cleaned thoroughly before processing it into fibre. Cleaning takes about a week, and then comes the stages of spinning and weaving.
Spinning is mainly done by the womenfolk of Kashmir, who have been associated with this skill since centuries now. They start by separating the lumps of wool, and then carefully mounting these over spinning wheels (yinder locally). With a perfect rhythm of hands and the wheel, lumps of raw Cashmere are converted to fine fibre threads, which have a minute diameter of 12-16 microns. The threads are handed over to men. Men have the responsibility of weaving these threads to fabric.
With the help of a traditional hand loom, one or two men start weaving fine Cashmere threads into Cashmere fabric. It takes 3 to 4 days to weave an entire Pashmina shawl of length 200 cm and breadth 100 cm. This is the making of a solid Pashmina shawl. Pashmina shawl for weddings take more time to complete. It can even take 4 or 5 years for wedding shawls to complete, as these are often laden with hand embroidery motifs, which spread all over the base.
Wedding Pashmina (Bridal Pashmina Shawls)
Pashmina is becoming a staple for weddings, and it is totally understandable and justified. Pashmina is something that will instantly turn a plain and basic outfit into a regal one, or calm down a loud and kaleidoscopic outfit. Pashminas can be worn by brides themselves, or gifted to bridesmaids for the love they shower upon the bride and her family.
Aksi Do Rukha Pashmina Shawl where one side of the shawl is the mirror image of the other
Lately, Pashminas are chosen as wedding favors and this has evolved to be a brilliant idea for weddings taking place in fall or winter. What better way to pamper your guests or thank the bridesmaid, than the ever cherished, graceful, and filled with the love of local artisans - Pashmina shawl.
Your bridesmaid is there for you at every moment of your special day. Throughout the events, be it your engagement party to the best bachelorette celebration, you just couldn't have imagined these wonderful days without her presence. For the amazing memories she gave you, for the love she showered over you, for the support she gave you throughout your friendship , especially your wedding days, thank her with a token of love. Gift her a bridesmaid special wedding Pashmina which engulfs her in a soft and warm caress and makes your relationship stronger than ever.
Pink Cashmere Wrap for wedding- Handcrafted in a Diamond Weaves
A solid piece never goes out of style. Surprise your bridesmaid with a plain white or warm hued wedding Pashmina shawl which matches her outfit. Wrap it around her shoulders yourself and make her feel a little bit more special.
Plain Pashmina shawls or scarves are super versatile. These can be used during the wedding, as well as on casual days. These can also be worn in offices, as a plain shawl is formal and will act as the most apt accessory when in a meeting, or a regular office day.
With the diversity in colours, and the alluring feature of Pashmina that enables it to take up any colour, plain shawls look perfect for different occasions. White plain shawls are pretty and feminine, hence suit a bridesmaid’s apparel. Whereas, a solid black scarf would be perfect for office wear. Brighter shades would go with casual outings, while pastels would be ideal for formal and semi formal occasions.
French Chantilly lace spanning over the fringes of Pashmina Wrap
A recent update of Pashmina shawls has added the beautiful French Chantilly lace to the age old pieces which make them look exquisite. A laced wedding Pashmina shawl will be perfect for your bridesmaid to keep her warm and comfy all day long in addition to adding a touch of regal to her outfit.
Even though laced Pashmina shawls seem easy to make and create, these are one of the most complicated pieces to create. The French Chantilly laces are hand stitched onto the edges of the wraps or shawls, and carefully handled after the process. At times, the laces are hand stitched in the centre of the shawls, and anywhere on the super fine base, while taking extra precaution about the finesse of the base, lest it may tear or get perforated. Nevertheless, the final piece is majestic and graceful, and looks extra dainty, perfect for admirers of feminine fashions
Lapis Blue Cashmere Wrap for wedding- hand embroidered in Kashmiri Sozni Kari
Embroidered shawls have a history of being worn by queens and women of the noble courts. Make your bridesmaid feel nothing less of a princess as you choose to gift her an intricately embroidered wedding Pashmina shawl. Shining in the charm of Tilla Dozi, or at peace with Sozni Kari donning its borders, choose a Pashmina shawl for her that makes her day special and her outfit more extravagant.
Depending upon the quantity of embroidery, Pashmina shawls can be gifted to women as well as men on several occasions. If your bridesmaid wants a super extravagant shawl like the bride, one can give her a Kani shawl, or a sozni Jamawar shawl as a gift. These shawls are brimming with embroidery motifs and patterns which are so colourful as if nature itself has casted reflections over it. So if your bridesmaid is always overdressed, you would never give her plains and prints as gifts, would you?
Pink & Blue Reversible Shawl - a rendezvous of conventional and contemporary
Spread the magic of a reversible Pashmina shawl over your bridesmaid’s outfit which works like a charm to add oodles of charm to her appearance. A reversible Pashmina shawl has two faces and you can wear it from either side of it. It's like the delight of two wedding Pashmina shawls in one.
Now you have the power of choosing your bridesmaid’s favourite colours and merging them into one luxury shawl. Reversible Pashmina shawl for a wedding can be a beautiful gift for your bridesmaid who can now wear two colours instead of one, and that too in the world famous Pashmina. Pick her favourite shades and watch her face beam with happiness as she receives her new gift - a handmade reversible Pashmina shawl.
Pashmina shawls as Wedding Favors
We know it's your special day and all eyes will be on you. But In this excitement, sometimes you forget to give attention to your guests without whom you wouldn’t enjoy a second of your special day. Either your gifts for them aren't as good as they expected, or they do not convey a special message to each of those who added all the fun to your joyous nuptials. We would recommend choosing Pashmina shawls or scarves as wedding favors for many reasons.
Pashmina shawls for wedding guests is the best idea one can get. Firstly, if your wedding is in fall or winter, your guests might take the help of these beautiful wedding Pashmina wraps to keep themselves warm. Secondly, a wedding Pashmina will last for a lifetime with your relatives and friends, which makes this chance for you to never let them forget your wedding day. Lastly, Pashmina for wedding guests conveys love and care as it is handmade from immensely skilled artisans from Kashmir valley. Make your guests feel remarkably special and make them experience a feeling of belongingness with you.
Subtle blues and greens merge into each other in an ombre style
To match your modern outfits, our artisans have worked beyond capacity and come up with a traditional wedding Pashmina shawl enriched with an in vogue design where colors deepen and lighten in an ombre fashion. With more than a thousand colors that these pieces have imbibed, let guests pick their favorite colors as they lay o a table perfectly folded or rolled.
Ombre Pashmina shawls are handcrafted in a beautiful fashion, where two or more colours merge into one another. Your guests can pick a concoction of their favourite colours, and look perfect for the occasion. Brilliant ombre shades and the luxurious touch of Pashmina make a perfect blend of extravagant accessorization.
A Pashmina Shawl finished in thin stripes to couple with your modish ensembles
One more way our creative craftsmen have transformed the heritage Pashmina into a modish accessory is lending the base a chic graphical print or pattern. Abstract prints, customized designs, checks, tartans, stripes and so many other types of designs, your guests will definitely be awe struck.
Printed or patterned shawls can be easily reused by your guests for semi-formal or casual days. These shawls are considered minimal and hence can be worn at any occasion in one’s day to day life.
A Pashmina Wrap for wedding embellished with Swarovski Crystals
Since it is a wedding event, why not add a little bling to the way all of them accessorize. We just discovered for your friends and family a collection of Pashminas which are embellished with Swarovski studs all over the base. These pieces will definitely steal some hearts and make your special day the most memorable event of their lives as well.
Swarovski studded Pashmina are unique accessories. Many of the wearers who wear these get extra complemented for the exclusiveness of Swarovski Pashmina wraps for wedding. These add the extra bling that one needs for wedding functions.
Bridal Pashmina Shawl for Wedding - The Bride:
For the bride, who wants to dress up in ethnic outfits, Kani shawls are the best options. A Kani shawl is the most expensive and the most intricate of all shawls as far as bridal Pashmina is concerned. The shawls take about 4 to 5 years to complete, and are hence gifted to the bride herself.
Bridal Pashmina shawl for weddings can be any of the above varieties. It is just based on the occasion and the preference.
It was long back when Pashmina shawls were considered a prerequisite for weddings. But recently the trend has started again. Brides have reintroduced the luxury art of Pashmina, and have started to look like traditional brides. Bridal Pashmina hasn’t ever looked old fashioned and exudes the same timeless grace and elegance.
Cashmere is much more than an accessory; it is a
feeling. It’s like the tunes of a soothing song that transports you into a
different space; at the same time, it wraps you in its warmth that makes you
feel you are at home. It has so many facets that make you fall in love with it,
no wonder it is timeless and never goes out of style.
For us, Cashmere wraps are what we breathe and eat. There’s an undying passion within to take pure, hand-crafted Pashmina to the world since this is a story that’s waiting to be told. For many, this might not sound anywhere close to a novel plan, but when you come across websites and sellers who in the name of emotion push out fake products, our heart bleeds, because we share a strong bond with this luxury fibre. Our relationship isn’t just transactional, a number of emotions and feelings are intertwined with this very word.
We’d love to take you through the reasons behind Cashmere wraps sweeping us off our feet!
Slay in style | Evergreen elegance of a women's Cashmere
Come winter, we scour for our bulky sweaters and those tomboy-ish sweatshirts, but they do not really make us head-turners right? There’s so much scope to look stylish in winter, so why not make use of that? Invest in a cashmere scarf or stole and experience fine luxury along with an extra dose of oomph. Oh yes, believe us, it’ll take your style game notches higher and turn you into a Cashmere scarf addict in no time!
Subtle blues and greens merge into each other in an ombre style
Scout through your wardrobe for some timeless pieces that have stood the stead of time. Are you confused or can’t even think of a single product? We aren’t surprised! Once you buy a Cashmere wrap, it’s yours for a lifetime (most at least!). As Hubert de Givenchy once said, “All a woman needs to be chic is a raincoat, two suits, a pair of trousers, and a Cashmere scarf.” Rightly said.
Women's Cashmere | Choicest comfort
Have you ever experienced the weightlessness of a Cashmere scarf? It’s feather-light, just like a wisp of air. You won’t even feel like you’re wearing anything and for winters, this is such a boon! This might have made you believe that it’s light and stylish but won’t keep you warm. That’s the biggest myth! It’s a natural insulator and keeps you warm more than sheep wool too. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic, which means say goodbye to allergic reactions and hello to a whole lot of comfort and style!
Women's Cashmere | Luxury gifting
Luxury gifting
Who wouldn’t love to have a slice of luxury? Imagine if you are so taken by the idea and experience of a Cashmere wrap, how would your loved ones feel when you gift them one of those precious pieces? Nothing, but special. We at Pashmina.com offer great luxury gifting options – personalized as well as customized packages. You can pick your color of choice and also add a monogram for that personal touch. That’s not it, it will be presented in such luxurious packaging that’ll make you go wow! We think it’s a great idea!
We mean it’s the must-have for that perfect airport look! Do your bit of research on celeb trends and you’d know how much everyone loves Cashmere! We don’t blame anyone, after all it shields you from the freezing temperatures inside flights and of course, doubles up as an ultimate fashion accessory. We told you in the beginning itself, Cashmere is multi-faceted!
Women's Cashmere | Versatile Accessorizing
Nothing can beat Cashmere when it comes to versatility. Apart from being so fine, lightweight and warm, Cashmere wraps have evolved with time. Hence if till sometime, we just had plains, embroidered beauties and Kani shawls, modern designs have started making their way into this heavenly craft. Patterns like stripes and checks, prints like animal prints and floral ones, and customized logos and colours are now a part and parcel of any Cashmere wrap.
Women's Cashmere | Sustainable Statement
Unlike a lot of products, Cashmere wraps are sustainable and environment-friendly. In the flood of fast fashion, we at Pashmina.com believe there is a dire need to propagate slow and sustainable fashion, or in other words, the ‘anti-fast-fashion movement’. Being the largest curators of pure hand-made and hand-embroidered Cashmere wraps in the online sphere, our motto is to celebrate timeless elegance. Our styles do not adhere to fast fashion trends, rather timeless and classic pieces that will stand the vagaries of time, both with respect to style and immaculate quality.
Each of our pieces has been painstakingly designed by skilled artisans, who exhibit the highest levels of craftsmanship. The art of weaving Cashmere is an ancient and highly skilled practice and we are here to preserve it.
You might wonder what’s the last reason, now if you need your Cashmere wrap to retain its chutzpah and charm, you need to care for it. Fret not, it’s pretty simple and not as tough as you may think. It can be washed sparingly, so it’s quite low maintenance. Hand-wash it with baby shampoo and then lay it flat on a towel. No wringing or folding when it’s wet, that’s a bad move! Give it all the TLC (which is simple) and it will show its magic every time you adorn it!
The very mention of Pashmina (or Cashmere) conjures up images of opulence, luxury, and sheer royalty. No wonder, cashmere products are favored for weddings as the perfect match for a bridal trousseau or even for that matter, a symbol of affection for bridesmaids. For as long as we remember, weddings are not less than a festive affair; there’s grandeur in good measure. We love to put up a good show and let ourselves loose for week-long celebrations!
Since weddings hold such a special place in our hearts, the bride’s trousseau is put together with the utmost care. Unlike previous generations, most brides today prefer to go for quality or utility over quantity. In the kitty laden with heavy pieces, it is almost imperative to have a hand-crafted pure Cashmere shawl. It’s a timeless piece that exudes an air of elegance and lends royalty to the bride. Considered an heirloom since time immemorial, this piece of luxury has often been passed on from the mother to the daughter at the time of her marriage.
As times have changed, there are many brides who have made a transition from the classic, traditional Cashmere shawls to the vividly-colored, hand-crafted, or hand-embroidered ones that are in vogue today. It is more than a piece of fabric, it is the epitome of the finest luxury that is coveted by all; be it the giver or the receiver. What's more, we offer personalized and customized options as well to make it a collector's item!
Pashmina.com and our collection of Cashmeres for Weddings
Whatever be the pick, these products are there for keeps and will not lose their sheen with time. Interestingly, it is believed that Cashmere products get softer with each wash. That’s reason enough to make the bride happy on her big day! Our range of Cashmere shawls for weddings, stoles, scarves, and hijabs is uniquely beautiful, functional, and elegant. What’s more? All our pieces are versatile and boast a mark of quality assurance. Yes, you heard it right! Each product that is a labor of love of the skilled artisans from Kashmir is individually certified by the Crafts Development Institute that comes under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
Besides, our bouquet of products is hand-made from the finest cashmere and is available in a rainbow of color choices and exquisite designs. If you are looking at matching a Cashmere shawl with your wedding outfit, worry not! We’ve got you an offer you can’t refuse. At Pashmina.com, we offer personalized and customized shawls as well. If you’re looking for a certain color, just let us know and we’ll have it ready. If this wasn’t enough, you can add a monogram and customize/personalize the gift as per your liking. Now, isn’t that a win-win situation?
The bride is the central protagonist during the wedding festivities. But, what’s a wedding without her bridesmaids and other guests? There’s no better way to say a ‘Thank You’ than with a hand-crafted, luxurious Cashmere wrap. It’ll make them feel special and loved throughout their life! They are insanely beautiful, but they have utility as well; no better gift than this.
Here's a lowdown on the best gifts for brides, bridesmaids and wedding favours:
For the Bride
1.
The Rose Red Cashmere for Weddings
This shawl crafted from Cashmere is a bouquet of rich and vivid hues. With traditional elongated paisley patterns, it lends an air of elegance and luxury to the wearer and is a showstopper. This ornate shawl is a work of art and takes about 860 hours to create. The motifs are painstakingly embroidered on cashmere to make this masterpiece. Believe it or not, this is a perfect gift for the bride!
Fine needle work carried upon the delicate Pashmina shawl to infuse traditional motifs in beautiful colours over a plain base
Featuring paisley motifs that were quintessential in the ancient fashion world, a hand-made Pashmina shawl is crafted perfectly to complement both monotone and patterned separates. Taking cues from the land where it is born, the artisan embroiders paisley motifs, chinar motifs, and myriads of flowers all over the gossamer Cashmere base. As its flashy red colour catches gazes, you get a chance to look your best every time you pick its graceful undulation.
2.
The Longing Paradise Cashmere for Weddings
Just like its name, this Cashmere shawl is itself enchanting. The floral and paisley embroidery on the Cashmere base looks classy and exudes an air of luxury. The body of the shawl is covered with intricate embroidery and makes the contrasting colours stand out. A piece to own for the bride!
Pashmina shawl is covered in large motifs with wide spaces to be filled with embroidery, a flower petal, a leaf, a full paisley and more
Feels as if nature has been handwoven into warps and wefts. That's how magnificent the aura of this opulent piece of wrap accessory is. A serene white Pashmina base acts as a canvas to all the colours that it could accommodate, which swirl freely as a floral burst, all Hand Embroidered with Lovei Paper Mache, making the shawl more than just a winter accessory.
3.
Queen’s Coronation Cashmere for Weddings
This heavily embroidered Pashmina shawl with long paisley motifs is the perfect choice for the bride. Also called a Do-Rukha, meaning double-sided, both the front and back of the shawl is almost the same. There’s heavy and exquisite embroidery all over the base, which lends the wearer an aura of royalty, just like a Queen! After all, the bride is no less than a queen at her wedding! This stunning masterpiece crafted by artisans takes over 920 hours.
Hand embroidered in the rich Jamawar pattern in the realms of Sozni Kari which span as large paisleys all over the resplendent Cashmere base
This brilliantly evocative shawl, with the elongated paisley patterns, in the contemporary choice of colors is our most vivid shawl yet. The whimsical motifs, in dreamy pastel hues, complemented by the brilliant gold & orange is a sight to behold.
For the Bridesmaids
1.
Swarovski Cashmere Stole for Weddings
There are some who prefer stoles instead of shawls, and we have enough and more to make them happy! This stole with vibrant, dazzling flowers and embellished with Swarovski is fashionable to say the least. Why not present this to the bridesmaids to express your affection? We don't think it's a bad idea at all!
A solid plain Pashmina is taken and beautiful Swarovski studs are affixed to the Cashmere base in heavenly patterns
A brilliant prune-shaded winter wrap handwoven in the regal realms of Kashmiri Pashmina is handpicked for the elegant women who never compromise on looking stylish, even in the gelidness of the winter season. The cashmere wrap is embellished with Swarovski crystals which make one nostalgic about the clear summer night skies.
2.
Chantilly Lace Cashmere for Weddings
This stole is elegantly exquisite and delicate and has gold French Chantilly Lace all over on a Cashmere base. The lace makes it a captivating accessory and is sure to attract all the attention towards the wearer. Certainly, the perfect gift for bridesmaids!
The Pashmina Stole hosts a contrasting French Chantilly lace which spans over the fringes of the Cashmere base
Elegantly exquisite; delicate & graceful; enhanced in its beauty with the delicate gold French Chantilly Lace, these tone-on tone combinations with gold, of the fleecy cashmere base & the captivating French Chantilly lace transform the simple cashmere into a spectacular accessory. Wearing this lace shawl on an evening out is sure to make you eminent in the crowd.
This scarf is sure to enhance any outfit with its delicate weave, sheen and drape. This product is handwoven on traditional wooden looms and takes about 12 hours to create. The fine cashmere fibre is collected from the capra hircus goats in the spring/summer months by carefully combing out the fur.
Kashmiri Pashmina - the world cherished accessory painted in lilac
The grandeur of the handmade pashmina scarf is a result of the amalgamation of years of art, heritage & dedication by the artisans. All of this is reflected on the delicate pashminas in the classic brown; from its weave to its touch to its warmth & its drape.
2.
Ombre Cashmere for Wedding Favours
Combines its heritage beauty of Kashmiri Pashmina and the deft craftsmanship of local artisans, a Cashmere wrap is handcrafted in enthralling beauty and finesse. Woven in an ombre pattern, the wrap is sure to lend some brilliance to your basic winter apparel.
This candy floss scarf lends a serene character to the wearer. This product takes about 25 hours to create and serves as the perfect choice for wedding favours!
Ombre scarf designed beautifully and soaked in trending shades of rich colours
We have a myriad of other options to choose from! So, dive into the world of PASHM and choose the best gift for weddings. After all, it’s a special day!
Even though a Pashmina or Cashmere scarf is a timeless ultimate accessory and is primarily draped in a traditional style, there are multiple ways to style a Pashmina to look trendy and accentuate any outfit. It gives you an edge over others and enhances your product’s luxurious nature. The downy fleece of the Capra hircus goats that has often been called the ‘soft gold of Asia’ or the ‘diamond fibre’ is rightly so, because of its great demand and limited supply, truly making it priceless.
And while women love to wear Pashmina scarves, but they often don't know how to. Pashmina is versatile and would love to style you up in the most sophisticated fashion. So how do you wear a Pashmina wrap? Have a look at some styles Pashmina scarf can be worn.
Without much ado, here is how to wear a Pashmina scarf:
1. Waterfall style
Tie the Pashmina scarf around your neck, with one end significantly longer than the other. Loop the longer end of this scarf around your neck one time, and then take the end you used to loop and secure it by the top corner. Fit the top corner into the loop at the side of the neck. When draped properly, the unattached side drapes like a waterfall.
Wrap the Pashmina scarf behind your neck. Take one end and wrap it around your hand. Pull it through to make a loose knot. Take the other scarf end and pull it through the side knot, going under the knot loop and then over. That’s how you get a perfect knotted necklace look! See this turquoise cashmere scarf that will add elegance to your style.
Women often ask us " how to wear a Pashmina with a belt" Here it is. Sartorially safe for dressier occasions - simply wear the Pashmina scarf over your neck and the front of your chest. No actual tying happens in this one, so it’s a loose way of wearing a scarf meant more for ornamentation than actual warmth. Wear the scarf around the neck and let ends fall in front. Add a thin belt to keep the scarf in place and show off your waist.
4. The Braided Style - Cashmere Scarf
Fold a Cashmere scarf in half, lengthwise. Drape folded scarf over the neck and slide the two ends through the loop made by the fold. Grab loop again and twist to create a second, smaller loop, then slide the loose ends from between that loop, too. Buy this exclusive brown pashmina scarf to match the occasion.
5. The Toss - how to wear a Pashmina scarf in a basic style
Tie your Cashmere scarf around your neck. Toss one side of the scarf across the opposite shoulder so it falls behind you. Don’t overthink this style, it’s meant to be casual. It’s a great way to rock any outfit on a day out!
6. European Loop - Modish style to wear a Cashmere scarf
How to tie a Pashmina in a loop? Simply fold the Pashmina scarf midway, lengthwise. Drape folded scarf around your neck and slide the two ends from inside the loop created by the fold. Slide to adjust the knot.
7. The Bunny Ear Style - Cashmere
Wrap your scarf twice around your neck. Then put one end under neat the loop of the wrapped scarf. This way you will have both ends on the same level. Simply tie a knot with the ends and you are ready to go. Look at this burgundy pashmina scarf to feel the exclusiveness.
If you are a fashionista and like to always make a statement, here is how to wear a Pashmina that makes you look edgier. In case you are trying to make that foray into fashion, do not forget to experiment with our styles and fall in love with the products. We have given you so many styles. So how do you wear a Pashmina wrap now?
The past few decades have witnessed an interest in the shawls or wraps. Earlier used just as a piece of wrap to protect oneself from the biting cold. But today it is also about making a style statement. The word ‘shawl’ comes from the Indo-Persian word shal. This was basically a fine woven woolen fabric people used as a drape. In 1623, the Italian traveler Pietro della Valle observed that the shawl was primarily worn as a girdle. However, in India, people draped it across the shoulders.
The shawls are one of India’s best products. It is unique in that while it offers the intimacy of a warm garment, it leaves you free and unencumbered.
~Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
Pashmina - Then and Now
The origins of shawls traces back to the medieval period. But archaeological findings and literary references suggest that the tradition of shawls in India existed right from Indus Valley Civilization.
Empress Joséphine with her Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl
Even Though these wraps have a rich legacy and speak volumes about their past, today these are wardrobe must-haves. In addition to this, comfy wrap accessories have the power to notch up your style, reflect opulence. Worn during weddings in winter, it is a sight to behold when women turn up in stunning colourful pieces with exquisite embroidery. Besides, experts consider these as great gifts that blend both style and utility in the best manner.
1. Modern Design Pashmina Shawls
Nothing epitomizes the glorious history of Kashmiri craftsmanship as warmly and beautifully as Pashmina. In fact, Pashmina once spelled exclusivity and security for Kashmiri women. It is said that if they fell upon bad days, they cut up a shawl length of Pashmina and sold it to the shawl peddler for cash!
A legacy of the Mughals, the romance of Pashmina reached its zenith when it cast its spell over European royalty. In fact, the great Napolean Bonaparte found the shawl fit to adorn the shoulders of his beloved, Josephine.
In an attempt to modernize the traditional art of Pashmina making, the artisan finds stripes the most effortless way to achieve this
Originally in the natural buff, artisans weave Pashminas today in myriad colours and textures. While plain Pashminas have a huge market with the western clientele, craftsmen have introduced a number of modern designs into the art. Now Pashmina shawls aren't just the traditional embroidery ones but come with chic abstracts, stripes, checks, plaids, embellished with French chantilly laces and original Swarovski crystals, exquisite prints, and ombre patterns. These are must-haves for those who love comfort as well as put their style on point.
In the cold climes of Kashmir, in a village called Kanihama, a chosen few spend their lives weaving a magic spell of warmth and colour. It is indeed the famous Kani shawl. This exquisite wrap was once coveted by Mughal kings, Sikh maharajas, and British aristocrats. Not only this but even the Ain-i-Akbari records that Emperor Akbar was an avid collector of Kani shawls.
Delicate & graceful; elegantly exquisite; are our intricately woven cashmere Kani shawls that are hand woven on the historic wooden looms. Artisans use Pure fine Himalayan cashmere of the Capra Hircus goat in vibrant colors
Making of a Kani shawl
These warm wraps involve one of the most laborious techniques used in shawl weaving. Numerous kanis (little wooden stick used as spool) or shuttles led with rich coloured threads are moved around even in a single weft line. An intricately designed shawl may use as many as 50 Kanis with different coloured threads and may take several months to complete. To start with, designs are codified on paper, known as talim, and sung out as two weavers work on a shawl together.
Embroidered Pashmina shawls look nothing less than pieces of art. The delicate base fibre doesn't allow a thicker version of the same to be used. As such, fine embroidery patterns have to be done by hand, and the result is purely magical.
Kashmiri Pashmina shawl gathers every single blooming flower from the Mughal garden of Kashmir and exhibits them in a way that is overwhelming
Three types of hand embroideries are done on Pashmina. The mostly used Sozni Kari uses fine threads and needles to cover the shawls in lovely motifs. Papier Mache embroidery uses brilliant colourful threads for the shawl to spruce up exquisitely. Tilla Dozi is the least use embroidery, as it is heavier on the shawl. Tilla uses metallic threads dipped in gold or silver to make the shawls look regal and the most cherished.
Most of the designs today feature floral motifs or paisleys and add a touch of elegance to the wearer. Historically, this type of Pashmina shawls was a prized possession of the aristocrats. They used to buy woven fabric by the yard and wear it as a shawl or wrap. Undoubtedly, Akbar was one of its most popular patrons.
A twill-woven body in the grey, off-white, fawn, or brown shades of natural wool & tapestry woven borders in kaleidoscopic forms is characteristic of Kinnauri shawls. Originating in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, this style became popular in Kullu with the migration of the Kinnauri Bhushahra community here.
Kinnauri Shawls from Himachal Pradesh, India
Locally, these mesmerizing wraps are used as drapes. The ones worn by women are called pattu and those used by men, chandru.
5. Gujarati Shawls
The tangalia weavers in Surendranagar and Chotila, Gujarat, make black and off-white coloured shawls in thick coarse sheep’s wool. A characteristic feature is the use of beads and mirrors. Popular motifs are derived from their immediate surroundings, such as peacocks, camels, trees, and houses. Traditionally, men wear these on special occasions and women wear them as sarongs.
Gujarati shawl embroidered in colourful threads
These beautiful drapes are all different from each other but stand apart due to their unique personality. Winter weddings are the best time to flaunt your collection of wrap accessories and make head turns with your classy demeanour. Make sure you stock up on these by then!
For the grass that you’ve just eaten, oh goat, Give us some good pashm, For the water that you’ve just drunk, oh goat, Give us some good pashm, Sit down on the grass and be still, oh goat, So that we can take out your pashm
These lines penned by Monisha Ahmed in her book Pashmina: The Kashmir Shawl and Beyond succinctly summarize the worth and value of a Pashmina goat in the eyes of the herder. Metaphorically, even the world is at the behest of this goat that produces pashm, which is an objectde art in the elite circles and rightly so.
What is the above song about?
This song is characteristic of Changpas, who reside in the cold mountains, and are nomadic pastoralists. Changpas are inhabitants of either Tibet or the Changthang region of Ladakh. This vast terrain is scattered with mountains and valleys and is a sight to behold. However, it is desolate and cut off from civilization. For centuries, these men have been herding these prized goats, who run Kashmir’s famed shawl industry.
The Changpas are habituated to extreme temperatures and reside at high altitudes, ranging from 3,600 to 4,500 metres. Here temperatures can easily plummet to minus 50 degrees Celsius. According to estimates, they are not more than 9000.
Though they are commonly referred to as Changpas, don’t assume that they are a single community. Their groups are divided basis their place of origin and each unit has a chief and marked grazing areas. Some accounts suggest that there are 14 such groups residing in Ladakh and these vary from 20 to 176 families.
It is intriguing to know that each of these units has a specific name. For instance, there’s one that’s called Rupshu, which consists of roughly 120 families. While there are some variations, most of them lead the same living and their practices do not differ as such.
Though pastoralism is the mainstay for most of them, there are some who are also involved in agriculture and are the owners of some of the highest arable lands in the world. Generally, the livestock comprises sheep, pashmina goats, and at times, yaks. According to official records, in 2007, the number of pashmina goats kept by these Changpa men was about 170,590. These goats were shredded to make handmade Handmade Cashmere Scarf and other Pashmina Products.
Till the 1960s, Ladakh was not in the limelight and it was western Tibet that supplied pashm for the shawl industry in Kashmir. Later, due to conflicts between China and Tibet and greater accessibility to the Indian plains, the trading patterns witnessed a shift. Today, the scenario is completely different, since it is these Changpas, because of whom the industry in Kashmiri land is thriving.
- Photograph by Manish Lakhani
Are Changpas from Tibet?
Since the early days, the Changpas move along with their herds from one grazing pasture to another. There are some accounts that suggest that the Changpas might also be of Tibetan origin, who herded sheep and cattle in eastern Central Asia all the way up to the northwest borders of China.
As far as their origin is concerned, there doesn’t exist much documentation apart from local accounts and folklore. There are several monasteries in Ladakh dotted with wall paintings as well as rock carvings that give out information that the Changthang region was inhabited by hunters and courtly men.
These Changpas follow Tibetan Buddhism and mostly belong to the Drukpa sect. Generally, each family sends their son to become a monk at any of the monasteries in the region. They are supporters of the cosmic structure that are separated into three tiers. The uppermost level is inhabited by the gods, the lowest by spirits of the aquatic and subterranean worlds. Some say that people and animals live between the gods and spirits, which as lore suggests, is also inhabited by demons. There are different colours defined for each set: white for heaven, red for the earth, and blue for the aquatic world.
Pashmina goats out for the day at high altitudes: through most of the year, the animals graze in pastures located at a height of more than 4,500 metres.
For the Changpas, their animals are sacred, and they believe that it is God who has showered them with these species. Each flock has some animal representations who are selected for the different colour sets. They are chosen basis their strength and colour. For example, the white animal is dedicated to the gods, the one with a hint of blue to the spirits and brown to the demons.
They aren't just Goats
Among the Changpas, their wealth is defined basis the number of animals they own in their herd. Earlier, they preferred to keep more sheep than goats, since they could barter wool for grains. Gradually, the situation has changed. The Pashmina goats are now considered a symbol of economic prosperity. The yaks were earlier given the highest status, but with their number declining, the spotlight is now on the goats.
As a practice, earlier sheep and yak were offered during religious ceremonies to gods, demons, and spirits. This has changed now, and these goats are held in high regard.
Though the world has changed beyond words, the life of these Changpas remains sheltered till today. They go about their daily work just as a ritual and this is the way they function. Untouched by modernity, little do they know that the world is literally at their feet. No wonder, pashmina is known as the diamond fiber and the herders are as special!
