Most of us have heard the word "Pashmina" being used loosely for a scarf or a shawl. But what exactly is a "Pashmina"? It's a word with a story that's far richer and more dense than its common use suggests. Travelling through centuries over the ancient Silk route and mind-blowing heights. But it starts with a humble little animal.
"Pashmina" fibres are sourced from the Changra goats of the nomadic Changpa people, who live in the amazing altitudes of over 4,300 metres in the Ladakh region of the Himalayas. It is in this harsh environment that these fearless little goats grow fibres of extraordinary fineness and warmth.
FROM NOMAD TO HEIRLOOM
The creation of "Pashmina" is a centuries-old process, a testament to the indigenous way of life spanning over vast space and time. A persistent form of life in harmony with nature's fierce forces, now under threat from modernisation.
With a diameter of just 12 to 15 microns, this fibre is considered the finest of all goat hairs - far superior to commercially available cashmere. The resulting ultra-fine mantle naturally traps air, creating lightweight yet ample protection that keeps you comfortably warm.
ALL "PASHMINA" IS CASHMERE BUT NOT ALL CASHMERE IS "PASHMINA"
A CRUELTY-FREE PROCESS
The wool is collected typically in the spring, by "Herders" to ensure that this protective fleece grows back before winter sets in again.
As the wool is collected, it undergoes a meticulous process: Combing: The wool is gently combed from the goats in the spring. Dehairing: The fine undercoat is carefully separated from the coarser outer hair.
This painstaking process not only ensures the highest quality but also treats their goats with upmost respect to avaoid any injuries. It is important to recognize that these goats are invaluable to their tribes, playing a vital role in their survival.
FROM FIBER TO LOOM
Once the fibre is ready it needs to be turned into threads and ready for weaving.
The process begins:
Spinning and dyeing: The delicate fibre is spun into yarn before being washed and dyed with AZOfree dyes.
Warp Making: The warp is made by manually winding the yarn across rods on the ground. This process is called "Yarun" in Kashmiri.
Weaving: An artisan, known as a "Wovur," meticulously weaves the yarn by hand, bringing the fabric to life.
Finishing: Excess threads are trimmed and the edges are handfinished.
EMBRACE CONSCIOUS AND QUIET ELEGANCE.
A Bombay Birds "Pashmina" remains true to its roots.
An authentic insider's gem, recognised not by a label but by those who genuinely appreciate its value and rarity. This is the essence of the SlowMade that we, at Bombay Birds champion.