She wraps herself in a shawl!

wardrobe

Wearing a sophisticated, trendy shawl is the best way to welcome winter. It’s time to update your wardrobe with this year’s festive shawls...

From the Regency era to the end of the 1860s, there was no fashion accessory as versatile and ubiquitous as the shawl. Available in all weights of fabrics, including silk, lace, muslin, cashmere wool, and priced for all budgets, shawls graced the shoulders of women in every strata of society. They were no less well-represented in art and literature of the day. Shawls were referenced in the novels of such literary luminaries as Elizabeth Gaskell and William Makepeace Thackeray. They were also featured in countless portrait paintings, draping the figures of fashionable 19th century ladies of every age.

The word shawl, derives its origin from the Persian ‘shal’. The word shawl is derived from Sanskrit and some of the first shawls were created in the Kashmir region of India.  Historians believe India is the true home of the decorative shawl, where finely spun mantles were created. Shawls were popular amongst Indians in variety of forms since ancient times. The history of shawl weaving is closely linked to the history of woollen textiles in India. Kashmir valley of India is known for weaving shawls from Pashmina wool.

Traditionally, shawls are produced by two techniques, loom woven or kani shawls and the needle embroidered or sozni shawls. The shawls are embroidered in floral motifs, various designs available range from Neemdoor, Doordaar, Paladaar, Baildaar, Jaalis and Jammas, with the help of needle. Whereas kani shawls are woven on looms with the help of kanis, that are small eyeless bobbins used instead of the shuttle.

Women today enjoy beautiful Pashminas, and luxurious, glamorous shawls in multi-coloured hues.

Shawls in vogue:

Pashmina shawls: Starting with Pashmina which is as delicate and soft as it is warm. A luxurious Pashmina shawl, wrap, or scarf is the perfect fashion accessory for any season, event or occasion! Pashmina is known for its softness. Pashmina yarn is spun from the hair of the ibex found at 14,000 ft above the sea level, pure Pashmina is expensive but mixed Pashmina with wool is less expensive. The amount of silk mixed with wool in this kind of shawl differs and so does the quality. This luxurious shawl tops over the list when it comes to manifesting a sophisticated style.

Cashmere shawls: Beautiful cashmere shawls are always distinguished by their delicate and trendy designs. Women can never forget to have a cashmere shawl in their wardrobe. These shawls are mostly suitable for formal occasions. Cashmere is a different kind of superior quality wool and is not to be linked to Pashmina. Pashmina is mostly hand woven while cashmere can be machine spun and woven.

Jamawar shawls: Jamawar fabric always remains the most demanding fabric among women because of its grace and brightness. Fancy jamawar shawls are more suitable for wedding events.

Kashmiri shawls: Decorated with various kind of embroideries; motifs and needlework; Kashmiri shawls are known for their softness, warmth and traditional designs. The intricately embroidered and hand woven shawls from Kashmir are popular throughout the world.

Pure wool shawls: They are also called raffal which have different counts of wool - 40, 60, 80 etc. - if the count increases so does the price. Wool Printed shawls and embroidered wool shawls are in fashion this year.

Plaid shawls: Check prints have always been in fashion. These prints are evenly popular among the women and men of all ages. Bold and colourful check prints are in vogue. So, warm shawls in checks are also going to be in demand this year as too.

Animal print shawls: Shawls in different patterns and prints are getting in fashion now. Among the printed shawls, the most voguish shawls are going to be the hot and warm shawls in animal prints. Black and white animal print will be in this winter.

Hand painted shawls: Another latest trend is going to be the trend of shawls painted with hands. Beautiful shawls painted with stunning designs will be the most voguish among the teens, especially this winter. Black shawls painted with colorful designs are really adorable.

Viscose shawls: They are the new generation shawls, hot favourite among young girls. Viscose shawls are designed according to latest trends. These are available in vibrant patterns. They are an add-on to complement your attire. Made up of wool woven tight patterns, viscose shawls are best suited for casual occasions.

There are many ways that women wear shawls, and most have their own favourite style. It really does depend on what look you are trying to achieve. A triangle shaped shawl can serve as a wrap if you get tired of wearing jacket to work. It’s simple to do. Throw it on your shoulders and overlap each end at the front to wrap the body then knot it at the back. It looks so cool and can keep you warm all day. But the simple way of draping it over your shoulder is a quick way to accessorize and get out and about.

     C R E D I T S      

Compilation: Sadaf Jabeen

Designer: Lakhany Silk Mills (LSM Fabrics)

Collection: Winter Shawl 2016

Models: Zara Peerzada & Anam Malik

Photographer: Shahbaz Shazi

Jewellery: Esfir

Location: Skardu, Pakistan