From the Himalayas to high rises: The art of Pashmina making at the Mandarin Oriental

The family behind Pashmkaar, a luxury Kashmiri shawl brand, has brought the rich artistry of Pashmina to the iconic Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong. For the first time, a select group of artisans have joined the brand’s founders venturing beyond their homeland to showcase their exquisite Pashmina shawls at this prestigious venue. The trip marks a transformative experience for these men, many of whom have never set foot outside of Kashmir. 

Set against the hotel’s luxurious backdrop, these artisans are in Hong Kong this week to demonstrate their craft and share the captivating stories behind each shawl. Each piece represents a collaborative effort of 12 to 13 skilled hands, taking up to four years to complete—a true testament to the community spirit Pashmkaar embodies.

We had the opportunity to meet the artisans and chat with founder Tariq Dar to gain valuable insights into their unique experiences during this trip and the intricate process behind creating these stunning shawls.

I heard this is the first time some of your artisans have travelled internationally. What was that experience like?

Yes! We were able to get them their first passports to join us here. It was an opportunity of a lifetime, and they are overjoyed to see the world beyond their village.

That must be a fascinating experience for them. How did they feel about the flight?

They loved it! Watching movies on the plane was a highlight for them. And seeing the towering buildings in Hong Kong left them in awe since there are no high-rises back home.

What have the artisans enjoyed about Hong Kong so far? 

They just arrived yesterday, and it’s been quite an adventure! We took them to Central, but the crowds were overwhelming. It’s a stark contrast to their small village in Kashmir. I also took them on a tram ride! It was a fun experience, but after seeing so many people, they decided it was best to return to the hotel. They’re still getting used to the hustle and bustle.

That’s understandable! What are they looking forward to doing next?

They’re excited about a boat trip! We plan to take them from Hong Kong to Kowloon. It’ll be a great way for them to see the city from the water as many of them have never seen the sea before. 

Can you walk us through the process of creating one of your beautiful shawls?

Of course! It begins in the Changthang Valley in Ladakh, where we source the finest raw materials. This area is renowned for its high-quality textile fibres. We give this raw material to women who spin it on traditional charkhas—just like Mahatma Gandhi used.

That’s a beautiful nod to tradition. What happens next?

After the yarn is spun, it’s handed over to master weavers who work on handlooms. During this process, many threads may break, creating small tufts. These are carefully clipped away. Once the weaving is complete, we dye the fabric using eco-friendly dyes.

I love that you prioritise sustainability. After dyeing, what comes next?

Once dyed, it goes to artisans who add block printing designs using wooden blocks. This is a meticulous process where colours and patterns are decided in collaboration with our designers or customers. Finally, it’s crafted by artisans, many of whom work from home, allowing them flexibility.

That sounds incredibly collaborative! How many people are involved in the creation of a single shawl?

On average, about 12 to 13 people contribute to each shawl, from spinning the yarn to final finishing touches. It’s truly a community effort.

Speaking of time, how long does it take to create one shawl?

A plain shawl typically takes about a month to make. However, intricate embroidery can extend that time to anywhere from one month to four years, depending on the complexity.

That really highlights the craftsmanship involved. How long has your family been in this business?

This is a third-generation family business. My grandfather and father laid the foundation, and now my brothers and I continue to grow it. We’re passionate about preserving this craft.

It’s impressive to see a family legacy like that! How did you form your partnership with Mandarin Oriental?

Initially, we approached Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. Their clientele appreciates luxury and craftsmanship, making it a perfect fit for our brand.

And how has the response been?

The response has been fantastic! Hong Kong has embraced our products, and it’s been a wonderful journey so far.

That’s amazing! How do the artisans unwind after work?

Being Muslim, many of them engage in prayer five times a day, which offers them a sense of peace. The craft itself is therapeutic, allowing them flexibility and time with their families.

Let’s talk about design! How do you approach creating new collections?

My travels greatly influence our designs. We have traditional patterns, but I also create contemporary pieces. For example, I recently designed a shawl that features plain fabric with woven stripes—it’s a modern take on classic techniques.

That sounds beautiful! Do you follow fashion trends for your designs?

Yes, I keep an eye on colour trends from fashion capitals like New York and London. It’s important for our Pashmina shawls to resonate with contemporary wardrobes.

I imagine you have loyal customers who return each season?

Absolutely! Many of our clients purchase new colours every season. Some even collect our pieces, especially the exclusive designs that take years to create.

That’s fascinating! Do clients often match your shawls with high-end fashion items?

Yes, we have clients who buy our scarves and then coordinate them with luxury bags from brands like Hermes. Each shawl is unique, which adds to its appeal. 

In your opinion, what can Hongkongers learn from these artisans? 

Patience.

Any final thoughts you’d like to share about Pashmkaar?

We want people to understand the effort behind each piece and the stories they carry. Every shawl is not just a product but a connection to our artisans and their heritage.

Pashmkaar shawls are available at The Mandarin Spa on Level 24 of the hotel. For more information about Pashmkaar, visit pashmkaar.com.