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Shawls
 Famous Types: Wool, Pashmina And Shatoosh
Kashmiri shawls are noted for the extreme fineness of the cream coloured goats wool known as Pashmina and for the intricate embroidery work. Pashmina is unmistakable for its softness. Pashmina yarn is spun from the hair of the ibex found at 14,000 ft above the sea level, although pure Pashmina is expensive, the cost is sometimes brought down by blending it with Rabbit fur or with wool.
History of Shawl Making
Shawl making has been a Kashmiri specialty for over 500 years. The word shawl was not used until 1533 when Nagz Beg of Khokand in central Asia came to Kashmir with his master, Mirza Haider Dughlat. Nagz Beg presented his master with a piece of Pashmina, and he asked Beg what it was. Beg replied a shawl, the name used by the people of Khokand for a blanket since then this type of weaving has been termed a shawl. The embroidered shawl or Amilkar was started by an artisan, Ala Baba, who covered up some footprints made by a fowl on his white material with coloured thread.
In 1796 a blind man, Sayyid Yehyah, from Baghdad, visited Kashmir and received a shawl from the Afghan governor. Sayyid presented it to the Khedive of Egypt, who in turn presented it to Napoleon. In France it caught the eye of the French court, which through history had set the fashion in Europe.
The subsequent demand was enormous, and in those days the shawls sold for amounts varying from Rs. 60 to Rs. 7,000. More than 40,000 looms worked day and night in the vale to satisfy the unprecedented demand from Europe. In 1820, the English explorer Moorcroft learnt the art and sent instructions to England. The English weave shawls are not equal to the originals from Kashmir.
Shawls & Scarves
Cashmere Shawls
 Shawls have been worn and used as a warm protective garment by kings and queens since ancient times. However, the Mughal emperor Akbar experimented with various styles and encouraged weavers to try new motifs, which helped establish a successful shawl industry. The shawls, scarves or shoulder mantles have been in existence in India in a variety of forms since ancient times, serving the rich and poor as a protective garment against the biting cold.
The traditional 'pashmina' which originally is available in Kashmir (India) was so fine that it could pass through a ring hence it was so popularly called 'Ring Pashmina', the making of which is still a guarded secret. Now, available in 2 ply, 3 ply, 4 ply in 400 colors to guard the extreme cold and new fashion wear. Pashmina Shawls are available in varieties like: 100% Pashmina Shawl, Silk Pashmina Shawl, Pashmina Jamawar Shawl, Pashmina Jama Shawl & Scarves.
Kashmiri shawls are world famous. Kashmiri jamavar shawls with intricate thread work are in demand all over the world. The special feature of this type of thread work is that these shawls can be worn on both sides, that is, the patterns stitched on one side cone out with the same finish on the other side, with no threads sticking out.
The sozoni style of embroidery stitching is also very popular. Gold thread is also is used for zardozi work on shawls. The sozoni thread work is usually done on the borders of the shawls. Brocade patterns are woven on some of the pashmina shawls.
Scarves
Discover the unique appeal of our exclusive range of scarves. The consummate thread work, sequin work, bead work etc embellished on the finest quality fabrics reflect legacy of craftsmanship and exuberance of Indian culture. Fabrics for scarves are unlimited. They include woven, knits, crochets, sheers, opaques, solids, prints, embroideries and laces. Silk, cotton, polyester, rayon, acrylic, nylon, wool, cashmere and metallics are used. All of our scarves reflect individualistic style, uncompromising quality and creative designs that are eye catching.
Scarves are either square, oblong or triangular and of various sizes. The edges may be rolled, flat hemmed or fringed. They are designed from the best quality fabrics that command true appreciation and evoke a unique appeal worldwide.
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