Home | Shawl Trade News - Tales from the Fringe©

Shawl Trade News - Tales from the Fringe©

Pure Pashmina Shawl ~ Lavender

Shawl Collection Highlights Fall/Winter 2009
July 2009

We are again planning for a glorious selection of shawls wraps and stoles for the upcoming cool weather season. Look for the always gorgeous, rich jewel-tone colours and new shawl offerings of fine quality Embroidered Shawls. We continue to be fascinated by the creative details and expert craftsmanship uniquely displayed in the Kashmir Shawl. And of course, the Kashmiri Shawl and the artisans who produce this exquisite textile are always greatly appreciated by collectors worldwide.

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

Shawl Industry News
June 2008

With economic pressures increasing worldwide on a number of fronts we wanted to share a few brief comments from a highly respected India trade organization that we are associated with. Shawl prices are subject to the same types of increases that consumers are faced with across the board. Hamsa Shawls remains dedicated to importing and offering high quality shawls from the Himalayas and the Subcontinent, but we thought our readers might appreciate a little insight into current factors affecting the shawl industry there.

Rising inflation - a nightmare for Indian industry
excerpt from the Editor's Desk/TradeIndia newsletter, 10 June 2008

"For a brief period, it seemed that the woes of the Indian industry in general and the exporters in particular were over as the rupee depreciated against the dollar providing some respite.

However, that was not to be. Rising inflation has raised its ugly head and input costs have risen, even as against this backdrop, the industry now is being haunted by stiff competition from nations like China, Vietnam, Combodia and Sri Lanka.

With soaring fuel prices, high raw material price, greater labour costs, etc, India is fast losing its cost advantage in the global markets. And with greater cost of production, the industry is on the horns of dilemma --"

For shawl lovers, it is notable that these times are yet another turn in the many socio-economic affairs throughout history that always seem to fall hard on the artists and materials producers who have continued to practice their crafts in spite of the difficulties. Many are creative souls who especially need our support to ensure their livelihood. So please do keep these lovely people in your thoughts while you are selecting your shawl, and keep hopes high for a brighter future for them.

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

Pure Pashmina Shawls ~ A Conversation
January 2008

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 answeres 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 to 14 or 15 microns, and Cashmere if the fiber measures at 15 or 16 up to 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

Tips for Brides ~ New Bridal Shawls have Just Arrived!
December 2007

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

Shawls for Gentlemen
October 2007

Gents shawls, as they are called on the Sub-Continent, have been around for centuries, and there are many accounts indicating that men attired themselves in shawls as symbols of status, power, and authority long before ladies adopted this versatile wrap as a garment for daily wear. Many were eleborately adorned with threads of Pure Gold, Silver, and Silk and were very opulent shawls used for appearances at Court, gifts to encourage good relations and gain political favour, and occasions of military Honour as well as for diplomatic exchanges. Here at Hamsa Shawls we are pleased to offer our contemporary gents a selection of fine quality shawls in a selection of unassuming classic styles.

With increasing numbers of people practicing the meditative arts, we feel it important to provide shawls for gentlemen in mid-range and larger sizes with quiet, understated design. As any steady meditator knows, at some point a shawl perfectly complements one's sadhana through its enveloping warmth and serenity. In addition, if one is attending yoga, sangha, ashram, or retreat events, shawls are very appropriate for these occasions.

We invite you to take a few moments to enjoy our current collection of Shawls for Gents which now includes Designer Shawls, Kashmiri Shawls, and Himalayan Shawls woven with exceptional woolens. Our selections are viewable in our webstore at Shawls for Gents and for additional styles, in our Meditation Shawls & Himalayan Wool Shawls categories. And ladies, please take note that these shawls for gentlemen make wonderful Holiday and Birthday gifts as well!

With Warm Thoughts,
Sylvia, Chief Shawl Lover

Shawls for Fall/Winter 2007 - preliminary report
August- September 2007
Shawl news is plentiful, and we are extremely busy photographing new arrivals. Due to the extended Monsoon season in Northern India this year, many major production facilities were completely shut down for much longer than normal. This is often the case during Monsoon, as power grids are taxed beyond their operational limits. Also, custom dying of shawls cannot be completed until fair weather prevails as the garments do not dry well. These conditions have resulted in unusually late shipments for the upcoming cooler seasons.

Shawls in many beautiful new designs will be added to our current Fall/Winter collections in the near future, so please do stay tuned. Also, feel free to contact us with any Special Requests for shawls, as we know that Autumn weddings are underway and we always have shawls that have not yet been photographed.
Email: info@hamsashawls.com

With Warm Smiles in thoughts of Warm Shawls,
Sylvia, Chief Shawl Lover

Pashmina Shawl News Bulletin
late July 2007:
Our rates for acquiring heirloom quality Pure Pashmina shawls from Kashmir have just risen and we are anticipating future increases as well. If you are considering one of these exquisite wraps, we urge you not to hesitate as new imports may be even more costly.

Numerous factors ranging from ongoing political disturbances in Kashmir itself, difficulties along the Indo-Tibetan-China borders, India internal VAT tax increases, heavy monsoon season, along with the overall increased challenges in the sourcing, production, and transport of these exclusive shawls contribute to their growing rarity.

Also, we have learned that many newer Kashmiri concerns offering "Pure Pashmina" are actually foisting onto the world market shawls containing 20-25% Pashmina blended with plain woolen. At Hamsa Shawls, we know our sources personally. They are old hands in the shawl trade for generations who are deeply saddened by this turn of events as they have dedicated their lives to providing only the highest quality and artistry. And, they in turn know their sources ~ all of whom are individuals with solid integrity of character.

As a final note, please do enjoy our current selections of lovely Heather weave Pure Pashmina Shawls. These are full-size Shawls rather than the smaller Stoles. In India and Kashmir, the heathers are often preferred over plain weaves for their interesting texture and versatility. If you are an individual who travels frequently, we absolutely recommend these lovely shawls for their light weight, ease of folding and packing, wearability as an accessory for casual, business, or formal events, and understated beauty. We think the Heather weaves are absolutely gorgeous!

With Warm Thoughts,
Sylvia, Chief Shawl Lover

Shawls, Stoles, Wraps News ~ Tales of the Fringe
June 2007
~ Welcome to our recently launched shawl newsletter, created to inform all of our many friends and customers about shawls that we are particularly excited about, new arrivals, tidbits about the global shawl trade, history of the shawl, and design trends on the horizon. We hope you enjoy these offerings, and welcome any questions you may have about shawls in general. Kindly submit inquiries via email at info@hamsashawls.com ~

Presently, we are as usual, cheerfully trying to catch up on photography of our newly arrived summer style paisley shawls, lightweight silk and wool stoles, as well as splendid selections of hand-embroidered Kashmiri Ari Shawls and power needle-loom Ariwork shawls and stoles.

Now for a little shawl history ~~
Most of our readers are familiar with the term "paisley," but did you know that although this genre of design originated in Persia and Kashmir, the word actually refers to the town by the same name in Scotland? This is a very famous locale where weavers produced exceptionally lovely shawls on power looms from the early to mid 1800's in a most eager attempt to help produce enough shawls to satisfy the insatiable European fashionista demand for hand-loomed Kashmiri Shawls! The paisley motif itself artistically represents the pure beauty of delicate plant life, so gloriously woven and painted by craftsmen and weavers. Dependent upon the geographic location and historical period, varying cultures have viewed the Paisley as either a pine cone, date palm shoot, mango, Tree of Life, or even "Persian pickle."

Thanks for reading, and please stay tuned for more shawl fun in our next edition!

With Warmest Thoughts and Wishes,
Sylvia, Owner and Chief Shawl Lover