pashma.

A leading global retailer in luxury linen, cashmere and silk resortwear and the first (in the whole world!) to print on cashmere, Pashma has grown exponentially since it's inception in 1998 by design extraordinaire Shilu Kumar. As well as featuring a colorful, eclectic variety of lightweight scarves, shawls and ready-to-wear items, Pashma's range also extends to accessories, winterwear, home and travel items, all of which are produced in limited, exclusive quantities.  

Despite retailing in over 2000 stores across 40 countries, this humble label keeps close to its Indian roots in Ladakh, Changthang and New Delhi. What really resonated with me during my visit to the Pashma showroom (courtesy of Heat Branding!) was hearing about Pashma's social side. The brand has established concrete roots with the Changpa people residing in Changthang village, who are the meticulous hands behind the exceptional-quality cashmere that sets Pashma apart from the rest. As well as providing them with 5,000 changra goats just last year, Pashma has helped the Changpa people secure stable sources of income by buying the rare cashmere at suitable market prices, as opposed to the below-market prices that were previously paid by other businesses.

 Furthermore, Pashma's production process is limited exclusively to India, honoring the ethnicity of the designer and the source of the fabrics, as well as cutting transportation costs. All manufacturing is done under one roof in New Delhi, where the hand-spun cashmere is brought to watercolored life under rigorous quality control. Head designer and founder Shilu Kumar has 10 vastly capable designers under her, who also oversee the manufacturing process to ensure their visions are accurately, ethically and meticulously conveyed from paper to Pashma. The brand also showcased their more high-end capsule collection "Petanu" at Milan Fashion Week last year, which was undoubtedly a huge success. "Petanu" features vibrantly printed kaftans in light silk cashmere, flowy silhouettes printed with abstract textures, and an exotic palette of bold summer hues.

Pashma first opened its doors in Singapore 4 years ago, and has now expanded to four locations islandwide: two in Changi Airport (T2 and T3), an island boutique in the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, and their flagship store at Raffles Shopping Arcade, tucked into the quaintness of the Raffles Hotel. Be sure to check out Pashma's gorgeous items, priced from SGD$200-$2000!

scarves.

The transition from sunny summer months to freezing fall days is definitely a tricky one, as the change in temperature is so drastic for such a short amount of time. The two seasons are sandwiched together, so maintaining a trendy timeless look tailored for each season without completely restocking your wardrobe can be tough, but it isn’t impossible.

I've tried to narrow this post down, so here I've attempted to consolidate scarves into three basic categories: Proper, Actual scarves that do what they're supposed to: Keep people warm, Printed scarfs that are light and are perfect for summer, and Solid Scarves which tend to be heavier.

You’ve probably heard this a thousand times on numerous blogs and websites, simply because it’s completely true: Scarves are the perfect fall accessory. They’re an affordable, versatile and fun-sized addition to any wardrobe. There’s no need to shop at Saks for them either; any decent scarf can look a million bucks with skinny jeans, suede boots and an oversized tote.

Scarves are the simplest accessories. People doubt the power of a length of fabric draped casually across one’s shoulders; but scarves are able to achieve an immense caliber of chic. Knits are super cute and are the best in terms of insulation, and what better opportunity for a weekend DIY project? Cashmere is my all time favourite type of fabric; my Grandma is the queen of beautiful cashmere cardigans; their luscious texture and silky feel have me in love. Statement scarves are an absolutely stunning addition to any ensemble when used carefully. Throw on a bright printed scarf to liven up a simple outfit, and add an earth-toned one to neutralize bold clothing choices.

“But how can I pull off such an impeccably stylish accessory without it flapping around in my face or looking twice my age adorned with granny knits?” I hear you meekly cry. Well, fear not. Scarves can be worked with in three thousand different ways; they’re just a length of cloth. 

A classic casual swing is a perfect way to keep warm on a chilly day, and it brings a killer outfit down to earth too. Throw it around your shoulders if the sun’s coming out for an effortless, layered look (avoid layering scarves over industrial-strength raincoats so you don’t end up working the “overdressed snowball” look). If you’ve got a large scarf that fits over your shoulders, use it as a pashmina/shawl (bandana wrap); it’s an elegant look for a nice dinner date and will prevent your arms from sporting oh-so-gorgeous goose-bumps. And if there’s nowhere else to put your scarf (this symptom is highly unlikely, there’s always room for a scarf), loop it around your bag for an instant update. What better accessory could you ask for?

Sources: Here,here,here,here,here,here,

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