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.
Jenny Housego, textile historian, designer and co-founder of the Kashmir Loom Company, has helped inspire a generation of Indian craftsmen to raise their skills to new heights of creativity and excellence. During her nearly three decades in India, she has ventured across the country to sit with weavers and embroiderers to forge new ways of combining their traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs. She co-founded two successful companies that secured markets for their unique products while putting Indian textiles firmly on the world’s luxury map. Also active in numerous social projects in India, Jenny has not only revived ancient weaving techniques that had all-but disappeared but also ensured the livelihoods of families from Haryana to Kashmir and West Bengal.
Asaf’s passion for textiles began when he was just 15 years old. He apprenticed under his uncle, who was a collector of the finest old carpets in Srinagar, Kashmir. Growing up surrounded by beautiful textiles and their connoisseurs, he met art historian Jenny Housego. She was an avid collector and expert in textiles and tribal rugs. Jenny mentored him and shared her deep knowledge of the history of textiles and carpets. This gave Asaf the opportunity to connect the practicality of production with the depth of heritage. When Jenny set out on expeditions to study how fibre from the Changra goats of Ladakh was spun and woven into Cashmere shawls, Asaf’s curious and enthusiastic nature drew him to join her. Decades later, their partnership has stood the test of time, realising a shared vision of revitalising the craft and building innovation while preserving its legacy.
C-65, Basement, Nizamuddin East
New Delhi 10013, India
Phone: +91 9810511952
Gulshan Annex, Lal Mandi Road
Srinagar 190008, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Phone: +91 9266577005
