The vault: Noor Ahmad

The source himself – Noor Ahmad of Ali Shawls and Fabrics shares stories about his favourite shawls and how he acquired them

How/when did you get interested in shawls?

My family has been in this business for several years. My great-grandfather started this company and today I have inherited it. I joined the business in 1983 and my sons will take over eventually.

Which are your favourite shawls?

Antique shawls are my favourite. Tafta pashmina has been around for about 200 years, such shawls no longer exist. Fortunately for me, my family has collected many so I have them in stock. Within the collection of Tafta pashminas my favourite is this do rukha (two sided shawl) that can be worn either way and will not look backwards. It is off-white in colour with paisley resham all over the borders and edges.

Where did you acquire the shawls?

I get all my shawls from India. I go to India often to find new shawls and have great connections there because of my father.



Is there any piece you are emotionally attached to and why?

A pink-based Tafta pashmina, which I know, I will never find again and am very attached to. I have been offered a lot of money for it but I do not want to part with it. It has a leafy pattern on the calming pink base with beautiful array of pinks going through it.

Share a story with us about how you acquired one of your favourite pieces?

This multi-coloured shawl was owned by one of my customers. Initially, they refused to sell it, but when they wanted to wed their daughter they sold it to me in exchange for another shawl of twice the value. Though I knew the value of the shawl that piece spoke to me and I was doing a good deed so I happily made the exchange.

Is there anything on your radar that you want to get in the future?

Everything is on my radar! In the shawl business you need new stock all the time. I am getting a new collection of: antique Tafta pashmina, kani shawl, anitque jamavar, pashmina, plain shatoosh, do rukha shatoosh, towel shatoosh, shatoosh chota border, shatoosh big border, shatoosh purlaidaar, shatoosh jaipuri boota, chinaar pata jaal, gulab jaal, kalamkaar jaal, shikaarga jaal, shatoosh patch work antique border, shatoosh zari border and kani with towel from India in the upcoming month.