Shawls for All Seasons

Recently, I corresponded with a knowledgeable collector regarding Pure Pashmina Shawls from Kashmir. Although very familiar with very high quality Pure Pashmina, she posed some detailed questions that I was happy to provide answers for and thought our many friends and collectors would be interested in the conversation. Following are excerpts from our discussion:

Q. What is the difference between pure pashmina and pure cashmere? Also, which of the varieties is closest to shahtoosh?

A.The basic difference between Pure Pashmina and Pure Cashmere is the diameter of the fiber. Both are from the Caprus Hircus goat native to the Tibetan Plateau. In Kashmir, a fiber is generally considered to be heirloom quality Pure Pashmina if the diameter is 11-14/15 microns, and Cashmere if the fiber measures at 15/16-19 microns. Fibers over 19 microns are termed "wool." These are subtle differences but experienced collectors can easily determine the difference by lightly brushing their hand across the surface of a hand-loomed shawl. Pure Pashmina is softer and is the closest one can get to the feel of the Shatoosh, which is interntionally banned for trade by most countries in the civilized world. You might find it interesting to read our Shawl Textiles section for more detail.

Many people are not aware of the beauty and value of authentic Pure Pashmina from Kashmir, as it rarely makes it's way to the U.S. Even amongst the Kashmiri designers and producers, there remain only a few old hands who have the real knowledge about these shawls and who are still dedicated to providing the absolute best quality.

Most contemporary producers even there are now blending wool with the Pashmina and passing it off as Pure Pashmina. Others who care only about their profit are weaving high quality, very soft lambswool and foisting it off on the world market as Pure Pashmina from Kashmir. And, there are many producers in India and China who sell acrylic or angora represented as Pure Pashmina. Still others in Nepal offer poor quality weaves of Pashmina blends or even actual Pashmina and Cashmere with terrible quality spun yarns at a "discount."  An unfortunate outcome of these practices is that many honest retailers and etailers who offer shawls as Pashmina or Pure Pashmina are unknowingly participating in these unethical schemes.

At Hamsa Shawls, we know our producers personally, and have been schooled in the various qualities of Pure Pashmina by the masters of this textile art.  The Pure Pashmina shawls from the Hamsa Shawls Collection are offered at a value far below actual market. Our prices are more than fair, as these shawls are already greatly understated compared to European, Mid Eastern, and Asian markets. In addition, they are becoming more difficult to source due to the continuing troubles in Kashmir and are subject to other cost factors which are pushing prices up such as rapidly increasing VAT and export taxes in Kashmir and India. We bring in only a few pieces of the finest quality as they become available so that our collectors here have the opportunity to acquire one of these heirloom pieces which would otherwise unavailable on the general market. 

Nearly all Pure Pashmina yarns are dyed to achieve shading within a particular range before being hand-loomed, even the ones in lighter colours such as soft white, beige, and natural looking browns. There will always be variations in how individual fibers accept the dyes, however, so any particular colour will show slight differences of shading within the weave. In India, the heather weaves are highly prized for interest. Here in the U.S., some collectors like the plain weaves while others prefer a heather. It just all comes down to a matter of personal taste.

If you have never owned a quality Pure Pashmina shawl before, we suggest focusing on which colour is most suitable for your wardrobe, and thus which shawl would receive the most use. It is also helpful to consider whether you are seeking a Pure Pashmina shawl for a special occasion, for general wear, as a gift, or if you are just starting your own collection of better pieces.  If you really do want to acquire a Pure Pashmina shawl from Kashmir for yourself, we think it best if you initially order one shawl so that you can experience first hand the delicacy and superior warmth factor offered by these lightweight, hand-loomed wraps. And as mentioned, select a colour that you will wear often. It is of no use to order an expensive shawl in a color that remains packed away because it does not complement one's wardrobe.

As Always, with Warm Thoughts,
Sylvia, Chief Shawl Lover

Hamsa Shawls, Shawls for All Seasons with Designer Shawl Luxury

I recently wrote an article for our website Shawls and Shawl Trade News ~
TALES FROM THE FRINGE© newsletter, and wanted to share it here.  With the Spring Wedding Season coming up fast, I thought it might be helpful to give a few hints to brides, and of course, Mothers of the Bride, for ways to best select just the right bridal shawl or wedding shawl.

~~~

When selecting a bridal shawl or wedding shawl, the natural focus a bride will most often first have will be regarding the colour and fashion of the bridal gown. And of course, any shawl must perfectly complement a Bride's
dress!

Other very important factors to consider are the season, the time of day, and what the climate might be. If a shawl or stole will be used mainly for quick dashes from the limousine into the wedding hall, you may not need a super warm wrap. However, if the wedding will take place outdoors, it might be a good idea to consider a shawl that will give protection from the wind if it arises. And, don't be shy about selecting a shawl with a little colour. Many of our brides have been delighted with Paisley Shawls in lighter tones as well as with our Evening Shawls to wear with their gowns, especially for outdoor ceremonies or venues where the air-conditioning is more suitable for penguins than for brides!

A recent trend that we have noticed is that many smart, forward-thinking brides are selecting two shawls to be used during the entire period of wedding festivities. They select one for wear on their wedding day, and the other in a more casual style but with pale colours so that it still says "I'm the Bride!," to enjoy for the many parties, events, and family occasions that occur before and after the wedding itself.

Have you ever thought of selecting a lovely shawl for the Mother of the Groom? If not, you might want to add this beautiful tradition from India and Kashmir to your wedding planning. It is a thoughtful way to express your good wishes to your future mother-in-law and also by personally choosing the shawl, it gives her a sense that you appreciate both her inner beauty and her individual sense of style. The gift of a shawl is also extended to the Mother of the Bride (great suggestion for your fiance!), grandmothers, sisters, and aunties in the cultures of the Subcontinent, and is a wonderful, caring way to foster new family relationships.

Before the Autumn wedding season this year, our bridal and wedding shawl collection was pretty much bought out entirely. We have been waiting many months for finely woven wedding shawls to arrive, and are pleased to report that Pale Ivory shawls in two styles are finally here. Photography is underway and these beautiful wraps will be posted online soon, but please do write or call if you need a shawl for a wedding during the Christmas and New Year season. We will be happy to provide details and email images even if these lovely shawls are not yet listed on our webstore.

With Warm Thoughts,

Sylvia, Chief Shawl Lover

Hamsa Shawls, Shawls for all Seasons with Designer Shawl Luxury

At last, our new Evening Shawls and Evening Wraps have arrived, just in time for the Holidays! 

We have been patiently awaiting these unique, hand-embroidered shawls for many months and are so very pleased to finally have these absolutely gorgeous luxury shawls here in the U.S.  Due to the extended Monsoon Season in India and Kashmir, production at every level was halted due to the failures of major electrical power grids on the Subcontinent.  Shawls could not be woven, dyed, dried, or embroidered due to poor lighting, massive daily power outages, and constant extremely wet conditions.

As usual, we are rapidly photographing the new evening collection, but please enjoy the Evening Shawls already posted on line at Hamsa Shawls .  If you do not find anything suitable, please do contact us with your Special Request for a shawl, as we always have shawls that have not yet been photographed.

Fabulous new design Paisley Shawls and Wool Shawls have also just arrived and may be viewed in the Shawls of Paisley Design ~ All Occasion section of our webstore.

Warm Thoughts and Warm Smiles ~

Sylvia, Chief Shawl Lover

Hamsa Shawls ~ Shawls for All Seasons with Designer Shawl Luxury

As a photographer and shawl aficionado, there is one shot that I still see as clearly as it was presented over seven years ago, but was not awake nor alert enough to capture ~

It was a cold, fog misted morning in the Himalayan foothill town of Gorkha, original home of the legendary “Gurkah”, as the Brits call them, but properly named “Gorkha” fighting troups. At 5 am, we had climbed up into the village from our hotel to find the only tea stall already open for early morning risers. Sitting there, holding a tiny glass of hot chai in my chilled fingers, I regarded the Nepalese couple on the rugged wooden bench directly across from me.

They were like a picture from a different time, yet thoroughly and solidly in front of me. A husband and wife, petite and hunched against the cold just as we were. Within the gray light of pre-dawn, however, two things stood out – their beautifully structured faces and their gorgeous shawls adorned with mountain flowers in brilliant colours, driving away any feelings of doubt that might creep in with the discomfort of the climate.

Naturally, shawls are worn by both gentlemen and ladies on the Sub-Continent, so this was not at all unusual. Unable to take my eyes off them, I submerged myself in their faces, expressions, clothing, bearing, and wondered what their daily lives were like.

“We must go before the sun rises and gets hot,” announced our two young guides who coincidentally were from the state of Assam in northwestern India, region of hearty black estate teas and immediate neighbor to Darjeeling, another famed growing area known for its plantations that produce delicate, “champagne” teas. Headed for the hill fort and cave of the supreme yogi Gorakshanath, we indeed had a steep journey ahead of us, and one that would take several hours to ascend the 3,100 stone steps laid into the mountain side.

Turning away into the Mists of Time without knowing any particulars at all about the lives of these two serene hill people, we continued on our way. “They look like they are quite elderly, but still want to get up early each day,” I remarked to one of our friends from Nepal. “No, actually they are only about 50, but appear so old because of the hard life they have working the terraced fields here in the mountains.”

So, I did not have my camera ready, but their images live still in my eyes ~ and in my heart ~

Warm Thoughts,

Sylvia ~ Chief Shawl Lover ~ Hamsa Shawls

Shawls and the Textile Arts are our passion, and we are especially fond those from the Himalayan range. Please enjoy our journey as we continue our own joyous exploration of these many beautiful artistic expressions and the artists who create them. Our blogging has just begun, so please do stay tuned for updates about our lastest shawl arrivals, shawl specialties, design and textile information, and industry news.

Shawls in many beautiful styles for Fall/Winter 07/08 are currently being photographed, with additional shipments enroute in time for the cooler weather that has already begun in many regions of the U.S. In the meantime, our exceptional collection of shawls, stoles, and wraps currently posted on our webstore may be enjoyed at www.hamsashawls.com

Warm Thoughts until Next Time,

Sylvia, Chief Shawl Lover ~ Hamsa Shawls