Kashmiri Crewel Poncho | burgundy / fully embroidered
This newest capsule collection of Kashmiri Crewel Coats are heirloom pieces: rooted in a long history of crewel stitch & inspired by the sculptured, symbolic & organic motifs of Matisse's last decade of work creating papier découpé. These coats are a fresh interpretation of a traditional & famed Kashmiri embroidery technique.
- Wide-cut body with relaxed silhouette
- Closes in front with one coconut shell button
- Loose sleeves in two length options: cropped, coming to just below the elbow, or full length sleeve extensions
- Seam pockets, featuring the initials of the artisan in Kashmiri
- Fully lined in a soft silk-cotton blend
- Midi length, falling to just below the knee with a curved hem
- Crafted from all-over hand embroidered wool crewel stitch on a base of linen, making it a mid-heavy weight piece
- One size: fit SM-XL comfortably
- Length center front 39"
- Chest 54” round
- Hip 60” round
- Sleeve opening 16” round
- Sleeve length 22"
+/- a tolerance inherent to hand made clothing
- One size: fit SM-XL comfortably
- Fabric: Outer 100% linen; lining 50% silk/50% cotton
- Handfeel: Soft & weighty
- Care: Treat with care by dry cleaning only. Store in a sealed plastic bag.
- Origin: Kashmir, India
Textile Story
Our master craftsmen in Srinagar have taken up to 150 hours to embroider some 250,000 stitches on this garment. Known as crewel work, this technique is a type of free-running embroidery crafted from tight, continuous lines of chain stitch made with a crewel needle.
Although crewel has been historically crafted around the world - from Mongolia to Britain - it is now most commonly associated with Kashmir. Known locally as jalakdozi, Kashmir has been famous for its exquisite crewel work since the 17th century, when it was a major cottage industry creating cloth for interiors for the European market.
Traditionally, Kashmiri crewel comprises floral motifs & patterns & is used for interiors. We've reimagined this technique, taking inspiration from some of the 20th century’s most profound artists, including Delaunay & Matisse. Our designs have been exquisitely embroidered by our Kashmiri partners.
Any variations or irregularities are to be celebrated. They are part of the design & inherent to the handcrafted production process, making this item beautifully unique.
