Shawls for every occassion - Cashmere Shawls from Kashmir
With an incredible range of fabric, patterns, weave, embroidery and embellishments, shawls from the north Indian state of Kashmir are a prized possession. Each shawl has a definite character, with the theme being paced by the pattern and the luxurious fabric. NovaHaat.com brings you a wide range of colors, patterns and fabric for every occassion.
The delicately woven Jamavar (Jamawar) shawls usually use cashmere or merino wool as the base fabric. Exquisitely woven paisley and floral motifs in spring (pastel colors) or antique colors (Burgundy, deep Navy Blue, Tangerine and Taupe) are used to create delightful evening wraps and stoles. The 80" x 20" size (stole) is the usual standard, while larger shawls are available in 80" x 40" and 90" x 50". The larger shawls are used as prayer or meditation shawls. Characterized by their bold, flowing designs and the immaculate harmony of colors, Jamawar stoles go equally well with ballgowns, party dresses or casual wear. Beaded jamawar shawls display lovely aari embroidery in gold color metallic thread along with bead work that accents the woven patterns - these designer shawls make a great fashion statement! Care should be taken while selecting the best jamavar - cheaper varieties that use viscose (Rayon) blended with wool are available in plenty.
 Jamawar Cashmere Evening Shawl, paisley |
 Cashmere Embroidery Jacket Coat |
 Cashmere Embroidery Jacket Coat |
Hand embroidered shawls and scarves with floral and petite paisley patterns are unique to Kashmir, India. Three of most popular embroidery styles are the needlework (also called "Sozni"), crewel and the chainstitch (also called "aari"). Base fabric is usually merino, cashmere or pure pashmina. Embroidery on pure pashmina requires deep skill to avoid damage to the delicate fabric. Perfect as evening wear, these shawls use silk thread for embroidery. Hand embroidered shawls are far more expensive than the machine embroidered ones.
New fabrics such as "Silk Pashmina" (blend of pashmina with silk) and "Wool Silk blend" (blend of merino wool with silk) are increasingly being used for shawls and wraps. The addition of silk provides added luster to the fabric.The Kashmir pashmina and the Kani shawls are now protected against imitation by the GI (Geographical Indicator) certification. It is expected that the "sozni" needlework art from Kashmir would also GI protection shortly.
View our large collection of cashmere jamawar and hand embroidered shawls, stoles, coats and jackets.