Pashmina Cashmere Directory

Pashmina History

History of Pashmina: Pashmina was considered a fine, luxurious fibre by the ancient Mughal emperors, who took as much pride in their stunning shawls as they did in their precious jewelery. It has been regarded as an essential element of a royal lady's wardrobe since the 18th century, when the exquisite fabric captured the attention of fashionable circles throughout the western world.

Light, soft, and sensual to the touch, pashmina wool, also known as cashmere, is incredibly warm.

If properly cared for, pashmina garments will last a lifetime, and actually become even softer on the skin with wear. Pashmina garments are handed down through the generations of wealthy families as heirlooms.

History has it that in 1796, the governor of Kashmir gave Pashmina to a visitor from Baghdad who passed it on to the Egyptian royal family. The same garment was then presented to Napoleon Bonaparte who gifted it to his wife Josephine. The Empress liked it so much she immediately sent for more in every available color. From then on Pashmina became an integral part of every European noblewoman's trousseau. Although they have been popular with aristocracy in Southern Asia since the 15th Century, pashmina sales in the West suddenly took off in 1995 when designers in London, France, Germany, Paris and New York started to include them in their fashion collections.

Pashmina's popularity has led to extortionate prices in department stores throughout the western world. Those who can't resist the lure of a soft, sensual pashmina shawl might find themselves shelling several hundred dollars for the object of their desire, albeit of the finest quality.

You're bound to get better value if you buy direct from the community which makes these lusted after garments. Shops and stalls those sell a huge variety of different coloured pashmina products, and are usually open to offers short of the asking price.

The modern world was slow to discover Pashmina's unique qualities. But all that has changed and the Pashmina is now an essential part of every chic woman's wardrobe. Pashminas can be worn anywhere at anytime with just about anything.

So comfy and versatile you won't want to be seen without yours. Wear it daytime with jeans or look sublimely elegant with an evening gown. Tuck it into your purse as a snugly blanket on a long flight. These stylish, pashmina wraps have become part of every fashion conscious woman's wardrobe, a virtual necessity.