Timeless Pashmina Wool Shawls
Pashmina wool shawls has been one of the most popular types of wraps for hundreds of years.
They function as a warmer, protection against the sun, a style-statement, an accessory that adds color to an outfit, and the list goes on and on.
And in that list, is the very reason why they are timeless fashion pieces.
No one can really tell when the first wool shawl was truly invented.
But, from recorded history, it started with ancient India, when people in Kashmir started making fine fabric from goat's wool or fleece, and used them as body wraps.
They were later known as cashmere shawls...
a soft fabric that provided a luxurious feel that was highly desired by the elite and royalties.
An impetus of fashion, France, Russia and other European countries joined the demand for these beautiful garments.
Cashmere was the most sought after, Traders from Asia and India would even pay for soiled pieces.
It was the rarity and the quality of Tibetan goat fleece that brought the prices up.
The Tibetan goat is known to have the finest fleece among goat species.
Due to the climate in Himalayas, Kashmir and the whole of Nepal, Tibetan goats grew the finest strands that ultimately produced the softest fabric.
A full grown goat only produces a few ounces of wool a year, explaining the rarity of the item.
To compensate, traders sought ways to creating these wraps out of other types of fabric.
Lace lappet collars, fur cape stoles, ostrich feather boas and fox fur capes became the next best thing.
Chantilly collar and opera capes became many a women's fancy.
New fashion accessories that could be draped over the shoulder came out...
but nothing compared to the sleek elegance of pashmina.
It drapes gently, giving the elegant touch and suave silhouette, irresistible glow and comforting warmth in its sheer thin fabric.
Moreover, patterns and adornment on the fabric made them even more desirable.
When you investigate vintage and antique samples, most of the expensive ones were those worn by royalty during the Victorian era.
Many were made with silver and gold threading that are truly priceless.
Among the most beautiful designs you'll see are with paisley and floral embroideries.
Nowadays, cashmere shawls are still very much in demand.
However, today, they are sold at much more affordable prices.
Modern times have made weaving easier and faste and competition with other modern fabrics and worldwide markets have made cashmere available in almost every online scarf store.
Among the most popular designs are printed, and can be floral, paisley, art deco, or monochromatic colors.
However, just because pashmina shawls are not very expensive, doesn't mean they aren't as soft, beautiful and practical as the gorgeous garments of centuries past.
Pick up a couple and you'll see what we mean.
They function as a warmer, protection against the sun, a style-statement, an accessory that adds color to an outfit, and the list goes on and on.
And in that list, is the very reason why they are timeless fashion pieces.
No one can really tell when the first wool shawl was truly invented.
But, from recorded history, it started with ancient India, when people in Kashmir started making fine fabric from goat's wool or fleece, and used them as body wraps.
They were later known as cashmere shawls...
a soft fabric that provided a luxurious feel that was highly desired by the elite and royalties.
An impetus of fashion, France, Russia and other European countries joined the demand for these beautiful garments.
Cashmere was the most sought after, Traders from Asia and India would even pay for soiled pieces.
It was the rarity and the quality of Tibetan goat fleece that brought the prices up.
The Tibetan goat is known to have the finest fleece among goat species.
Due to the climate in Himalayas, Kashmir and the whole of Nepal, Tibetan goats grew the finest strands that ultimately produced the softest fabric.
A full grown goat only produces a few ounces of wool a year, explaining the rarity of the item.
To compensate, traders sought ways to creating these wraps out of other types of fabric.
Lace lappet collars, fur cape stoles, ostrich feather boas and fox fur capes became the next best thing.
Chantilly collar and opera capes became many a women's fancy.
New fashion accessories that could be draped over the shoulder came out...
but nothing compared to the sleek elegance of pashmina.
It drapes gently, giving the elegant touch and suave silhouette, irresistible glow and comforting warmth in its sheer thin fabric.
Moreover, patterns and adornment on the fabric made them even more desirable.
When you investigate vintage and antique samples, most of the expensive ones were those worn by royalty during the Victorian era.
Many were made with silver and gold threading that are truly priceless.
Among the most beautiful designs you'll see are with paisley and floral embroideries.
Nowadays, cashmere shawls are still very much in demand.
However, today, they are sold at much more affordable prices.
Modern times have made weaving easier and faste and competition with other modern fabrics and worldwide markets have made cashmere available in almost every online scarf store.
Among the most popular designs are printed, and can be floral, paisley, art deco, or monochromatic colors.
However, just because pashmina shawls are not very expensive, doesn't mean they aren't as soft, beautiful and practical as the gorgeous garments of centuries past.
Pick up a couple and you'll see what we mean.
