Wing-on-Wing Sailing, symbols of soul freedom for a Friend lost

Sailing into the stars is on our minds today rather than our usual fascination with shawls from the Himalayan artisans.

Our dear friend Neelu was a warm and generous leader within our zesty yoga meditation group comprised of an ever shifting cast of strong individuals.  With her recent passing, I think often of the freedom of flight unexpectedly gained through the lens of an old P&S camera while sailing on SF Bay one fine day, and want to dedicate this image to her.  May her flight to absolute freedom be eternally showered with unexpected Beauty, Joy, Light, and Love ~

 

(Many thanks to our son Steve for his always kind welcomes aboard the Mobius)

With Warm Thoughts and Smiles,
Sylvia
Chief Shawl Lover, Hamsa Shawls

Kashmiri Pure Pashmina Shawls are Rare

Pure Pashmina Shawls are becoming more rare with each Fall/Winter season.  Knowledgeable shawl concerns with long-standing reputations for their dedication to quality and artistry estimate that unless new souces of real Pashmina surface, it will be gone for good in short time.  These highly trusted designers and producers in the shawl trade have already purchased most of the available Pashmina fiber and are keeping it aside for limited production over the next, very few years.

This condition has been brought about by a notable increase in the proliferation of cheaper superfine wool/cashmere yarn blends or inexpensive synthetics foisted onto the market, knowingly mis-represented by sellers as "Pashmina."  These unethical practices are squeezing the demand for more costly Pure Pashmina, affecting the hand-gathering fiber providers themselves as well as the spinners, handloom centers, and fine quality shawl dealers.  Unfortunately, even younger generation Kashmiris interested only with quick profit through marketing large quantities of faux Pashminas are participating in the demise of the very shawls for which that ancient land is famous.

For our shawl lovers, if you are interested in a Pure Pashmina wrap from Kashmir please do not hesitate too long to acquire one for your collection.  The supply of real Pashmina from producers with integrity is rapidly dwindling. These are not shawls that are available in department stores or online shawl stores who offer "Pure Pashmina" but who have not idea what their products are actually made of.  Pure Pashmina shawls are always quite rare and due to the tenderness of the fiber are never mass produced.

With Warm Thoughts until next time,

Sylvia, Chief Shawl Lover, Hamsa Shawls

Women's Fashion: Pashmina Shawls

All Content Copyright ©2009 Hamsa Shawls and www.HamsaShawls.com. All rights reserved. The article below was commissioned by and written expressly for Hamsa Shawls.  This article is copyrighted and may be distributed without modification with permission directly from Hamsa Shawls or our designated agency.

  

Maintaining a fashionable wardrobe does not have to mean dramatic changes every year.  Swapping out accessories can create a beautiful and fashionable look with little effort.  Shawls and Pashmina Scarves are the ideal accessory for this endeavor.  Glamorous and complimentary for any occasion, they are available in an array of colors and styles that will look splendid when added to your existing wardrobe.

Shawls are unusual in the fashion world in that they have transcended the ages; not many clothing items can make this claim!  A high end shawl is a stunning and elegant accessory that looks exquisite for any occasion.  Adding a lovely shawl to your ensemble creates a statement of class and mirrors your unique personality.  Shawls have gained recent popularity as a high fashion staple. 

Looks to Create with your Shawl

Shawls may be loosely worn over the shoulders or upper body.  Sometimes they are even worn on the head.  Various women choose to use them for added warmth or for meditation. They are generally oblong or rectangular but are often folded to create a triangle-shape and can be added to achieve many different looks such as the 3 noted below:

The Elegant Look:  Ideal for evening gowns and special occasions when exposing your shoulders you can create a sensual appearance with the shawl.  Wrap each end over your shoulders and allow the shawl to drape across your back and rest on the crooks of your arms.

The Casual Look: Simply wrap the shawl around your neck like a scarf.  The simple wrap is achieved by draping it over your shoulders and then bringing the entire width of both ends to cross in front of you.  If worn correctly, the wrap will create a stylish pop of color to any shirt.

The Professional Look:  Adding a Shawl to your professional attire such as a pant suit or blouse can personalize your look!  Achieve a distinguished appearance by adding a real Pashmina scarf your outfit. 

Remember this one simple rule when accessorizing with shawls: patterned shawls add distinction and flair to solid clothing palettes, whereas solid-colored shawls lend depth to patterned attire.  With the endless array of colors and designs, you can match a shawl to any outfit.  Follow this easy tip and you will flawlessly transform shawls into your trademark fashion accessory.

Additionally, a truly fine shawl is much more than a trendy accessory; they can be treasured heirlooms and collector’s items.  The origins of this lovely piece span centuries into the past.  You may find an exceptionally luxurious shawl with a mystical history to pass along in your family for generations.   The most cherished shawls are made of pure Pashmina and cashmere, but a high end shawl salon will have an array of options to fit your budget, occasion and preferences.  In many cases, you will not find your perfect shawl; your perfect shawl will find you.  The options may seem endless, but when you have found that special piece to cherish for years to come, you will know immediately.

About the Author:

Linda Bishop is an avid shawl collector.

Truly fine shawls from a Luxury Shawl Salon are her favorite fashion accessories because they beautifully compliment a wide variety of outfits and create a rich and timeless keepsake.  Bishop prefers the opulence of Pure Pashmina wraps and enjoys collecting these precious items as priceless heirlooms.

Silk Shawl Collection for Fall Winter ~ Preview

Dear Shawl Lovers,

We have finally found just the perfect silk shawls for evening and special occasion wear!  They have just arrived, some in glorious jeweltones and others in sophisticated neutrals, and will be online soon.  All of these glorious Silks have rich textured weaves and dance with gorgeous blends of colour, light, and shadow! 

Will make an announcement in the near future when this new category is online, but in the meantime, enjoy this sneak preview of a richly coloured, luxurious Silk evening stole!

      

With Warm Thoughts until next time,

Sylvia, Chief Shawl Lover, Hamsa Shawls

Sitars and Shawls

For the sublime, wrap yourself in a favorite fine shawl and listen to one of India's premier Sitar Maestros, Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan.  A supreme artist with both subtle and powerful ranges of musical expression, he is currently on tour in the U.S.  

His schedule of appearances may be viewed at his website Shahid Parvez Khan.  If you happen to be near one of the cities where he will perform, by all means go there and enjoy a magical evening of music.  If not, the classical Indian music lovers at Hamsa Shawls highy recommend that you attend concerts by other artists from this great heritage who may offer performances closer to home!

Following is a YouTube link to a brief excerpt from his reflective performance of Bhairavi Alap in 2007 where a fine quality Gents, or Mens Shawl covering his feet is clearly visible.  This is a tradition amongst classical musicians from India where it is also a gesture of respect and gratitude to present a gift of shawl to the artist.  While there are many cultural explanations for the use and gifting of shawls, it has been a social custom for centuries to present fine textiles in many categories created with rare fibers, superior weaves, or hand embellishment as these are always cherished for their inherent value and artistry.

Ustad Shahid Parvez - Bhairavi Alap

Warm Thoughts until Next Time!

Sylvia, Chief Shawl Lover, Hamsa Shawls