'Heirloom Collection': Shawls that one can preserve

New Delhi [India], Nov 10 (ANI): The national capital on Thursday witnessed an exclusive collection of Kashmir Shawls, product of exemplary skill and artistry, applied to one of the world's most delicate fibers - Pashmina.

Endorsed by Sara Abdullah Pilot, this exclusive collection, titled 'Heirloom Collection', was by Varuna Anand, founder and designer at The Splendor of Kashmir.

Speaking about her thoughts behind this endorsement, Sara told ANI, "I grew up with these beautiful shawls, with this beautiful work. But I found over the years that quality is missing, until 2011, when I saw what Varuna was selling and what she was exhibiting. I was excited to see it. So then the conversation came about that let's do something one notch above; let's make something so exquisite that you want to preserve- something that I want to give to my daughter-in-law tomorrow or save it for the family that will pass down. "

Varuna added on to it saying, "This is a collection of 30 pieces that include Sui kaam Jamavars, Kanis and a couple of kalamkaris. These are the finest workmanship you can get in the state and which is what we are promoting. Each of these pieces is more valuable for the kind of work done on them. Some of these works took 18 months to two years."

To promote this endeavor of conserving the age old Heritage of India, the exhibition was graced by Farooq Abdullah (Former Union Minister), Omar Abdullah (Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir), Congress leader Sachin Pilot and other distinguished guests.

Speaking with ANI on the same, Farooq Abdullah said, "The work that our artisans do, that hard work is now nearly, gradually dying. But the finesse and workmanship of these people show that this is a great art. If you visit the Imperial palace in Paris, you will see Kashmir shawls displayed in the time of Louis XIII, Louis XIV. Some of the works here you will see is no less than Jamavars; exquisite work. This is what Varuna is trying to revive and bring it back to the world to see what artisans can do."

The exhibition also manifested a large variety of shawls from solid colours, to borders, reversibles, covering the entire spectrum of shawls along with corporate and wedding gifts.

Along with the brand new ethereal collection, shawls/stoles from the hand embroidered jamavars called sui kaam jamavars in both sozni and paper machie stitch and woven jamavars called kani shawls were also appreciated. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI