Kashmir Loom

Created by Jenny Housego and Asaf Ali, together with his brothers in Srinagar, the beautiful lake capital of the Indian province of Kashmir. Jenny Housego and the brothers, with their team of master craftsmen at Kashmir Loom, have infused a modern soul into the woven and embroidered shawls from Kashmir Valley. Their endeavor has been to preserve heritage while fostering its progress. As the creative force behind the company, Jenny’s training in Art History and her deep love, knowledge and respect for textiles from India and the Middle East are an inspiration to the age-old art of shawl making at Kashmir Loom. But the greatest inspiration is Kashmir itself. A myriad of influences, ranging from the valley’s unique location on several trade routes and not least 19th Century French and British culture and fashion, have left their unique stamps on the Kashmiri shawl. Production in Kashmir takes place in small family workshops, nurturing dignity, pride and humanity at every level. Women sitting at the traditional hand ‘charka’ wheel spin a pure gossamer yarn known the world over as Pashmina (or cashmere). This yarn is hand-woven by men into a wonderfully supple, soft, yet warm fabric. The end product is a piece of extraordinary beauty and workmanship, a distinct impression of the human hand -- An amalgamation of rich history, unprecedented quality and artistic innovation. Kashmir Loom focuses on sustaining and supporting this vital handicraft industry.