FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS    

SERVAT CORPORATION is the exclusive importer of premier pashmina shawls and scarves in the United States. Our imported shawls are works of art, designed and hand-made by master Nepalese and Indian shawl-makers of the Kathmandu Valley and Kashmir. Our pashmina shawls are seventy percent (70%) pashmina wool, and thirty percent (30%) silk.

What is Pashmina ?       

Pashmina is the Persian word for the finest and softest wool fiber. Pashmina comes from the underside of the Himalayan Mountain Goat, indigenous to the mountains of Central Asia. The thermo-conductivity of pashmina wool is so low that it enables the goat to keep warm at minus 40 degree centigrade temperature, and survive in one of the coldest climates of the world. The unique and very thin short inner coat of hair, i.e., pashmina, is the best insulation in the world. To survive the freezing 14,000 feet high environment, Himalayan mountain goats grow a unique, incredibly soft inner coat, six times finer than human hair, which is 75 microns thick. Because it is only 14-19 microns in diameter, it cannot be spun by machines, so the wool is hand-woven into shawls. Each goat produces 3 to 8 ounces of Pashmina per year. Pashmina has been valued for centuries throughout Asia and the Middle East, and the wonderful qualities of pashmina are now making it just as popular in the West.

Pashmina History    

The beautiful valley of Kashmir has always been famous for its craftsmanship. The weaving of tapestry shawls was first introduced into the valley by Zain-ul-Abdin, the ruler of Kashmir, in the 15th century. Pashmina shawls became popular in Europe in the latter part of the 18th century. At the beginning of the 19th century, foreign entrepreneurs started to commission shawls especially for the French market, adapting the designs to suit European taste. Pashmina became the rage in France after Napoleon presented a rare shawl to Empress Josephine. Today’s fashion gurus consider pashmina shawls to be as essential to the wardrobe as the ubiquitous little black dress.

Pashmina Definition    

"Pashmina" is the Persian word for pashm meaning finest wool fiber, the "soft gold" king of fibers. Every summer, Himalayan farmers climb the mountains to comb the fine woolen undercoat from the neck and chest of, Himalayan mountain goat, "Pashm," not to be confused with the endangered Tibetan antelope that is killed to produce shatoosh shawls. To survive the freezing 14,000 feet high environment, Pashm grows a unique, incredibly soft inner coat, six times finer than human hair. Because it is only 14-19 microns in diameter, it cannot be spun by machines, so the wool is hand-woven into shawls.

Pashmina Quality    

Stylish women of all ages have recognized the elegance of pashmina shawls; a well-chosen Pashmina can transform the simplest attire into the most chic ensemble. A pashmina shawl is worn close to the face, and as such, the color must suit each persons skin tone. The colors that are particularly fashionable this season are shades of purple; from pale lilac to a deep violet shade of prune, with ethnic embroidery and pleats. Due to the timeless and season-less versatility of the pashmina, many women opt for a classic color that can be worn season after season. Perennial favorites include pink-pale shades, bright fuchsia-butter yellow, white and, of course, jet black.  The average pashmina shawl requires wool from four Pashms, and over 200 hours of work; spinning of the wool for a single pashmina takes 15 days.

Pashmina Prices    

The price of a Pashmina shawl range anywhere from a hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars, depending upon the craftsmanship and time factor involved in its creation. Pure Pashmina is a luxury even in India so local weavers combine the 12-14 micron thick Pashmina fiber with silk or angora to improve the durability and add luster to the material.

Choosing Pashmina    

When choosing a pashmina, it is important to check whether the shawl is 100 percent pashmina, or if it is blended with silk. A100 percent pashmina, or a 70/30 percent pashmina/silk blend are the best choice.  A 100 percent pashmina shouldn't fluff or pill and should be colorfast. An occasional dry clean will keep it in good condition, and it can be spot-treated with baby shampoo and cold water and laid flat to dry. 

Kashmiri Embroidery    

Kashmiri embroidery, called kasida, is varied, rich in color, elaborate in details, and exquisite in execution. Kasida shawls have no 'wrong' side. The kasida patterns are designed by naqhashs (the designers), who are inspired by the sparkling lakes, the broad mountain curves, and the breath- taking colors of the sky at sunrise and sunset. The naqhash also draws upon poetic fancies and religious or philosophical themes, portraying them in the designs. The common motifs include floral borders, paisley, leaves and cones. Pashmina wool has a superbly textural feel, drapes beautifully, feels soft, is warm and light to the touch, and grows softer with use. In the Indian sub- continent, Pashmina shawls are passed down from one generation to another.

DHAMMA MOLI PROJECT   

Servat Corporation will donate five percent (5%) of its net profit to DHAMMA MOLI PROJECT, an N.G.O. in Kathmandu, Nepal, that supports homeless and disadvantaged Nepali girls. 

 

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 25153, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Tel: 888 263-3410 E-mail: info@pashmina-shawl.com