The Vault: Shahroz Khan
Shahroz Khan, a shawl enthusiast, and the proud owner of AKC Handicrafts talks to us about his favourite shawls
Shahroz Khan, a shawl enthusiast, and the proud owner of AKC Handicrafts talks to us about his favourite shawls and even shares tips to preserve these valuable pieces
How/when did you get interested in shawls?
In 2007 I used to work in Zainab Market and across from me was a Hindu man with a shawl shop. That cultivated my interest in shawls, and I opened AKC Handicrafts in 2012.
Which shawls are your favourite?
My favourite shawl is a pure Pashmina, one you can pass through a ring. There are a handful of qualities in Pashmina shawls, but the best quality one is so pure and soft. It is lightweight and keeps you much warmer compared to other shawls. I have Pashmina shawls from Multan, interior Sindh and Azad Kashmir.
Where did you get them?
You pay money for them, and you get them in a shopping bag! I’m joking. There are agents who export and import them. They are big dealers who help bring them to Pakistan, which is how we avail the shawls.
Is there any piece you are emotionally attached to and why?
Yes, there is a shawl called a kalandaur, I really love that shawl, so much so that I only keep it for myself. The fabric is such that you can’t do too much embroidery on it, but even so there is five inches worth of embellishment on the edges.
Share a story with us about how you acquired one of your favourite pieces:
There is a story about a piece close to my heart, a shahtoosh. It was quite expensive, and I loved it so much that I was scared to wear it. Instead, I kept saving it for a special event. Then when I finally took the shawl out, bugs had unfortunately eaten it. This was a tragically unforgettable moment for me! A good shahtoosh has specific qualities, and if you store it for too long, microscopic bugs eat it up. Therefore, whoever has a good quality shahtoosh, please take it out monthly and refresh it. You can also take two to four big elaichis, and wrap your shawl in it so that the fragrance keeps bugs away. I only found out the hard way when my shawl was ruined.
Is there anything on your radar that you want to get in the future?
Shawls are cultural and traditional; they are not a new trend but timeless pieces. I want such shawls that hold age-old, cultural stories. Original Kalamkar and Shikaragah and raja rani shawls are on my radar.
How/when did you get interested in shawls?
In 2007 I used to work in Zainab Market and across from me was a Hindu man with a shawl shop. That cultivated my interest in shawls, and I opened AKC Handicrafts in 2012.
Which shawls are your favourite?
My favourite shawl is a pure Pashmina, one you can pass through a ring. There are a handful of qualities in Pashmina shawls, but the best quality one is so pure and soft. It is lightweight and keeps you much warmer compared to other shawls. I have Pashmina shawls from Multan, interior Sindh and Azad Kashmir.
Where did you get them?
You pay money for them, and you get them in a shopping bag! I’m joking. There are agents who export and import them. They are big dealers who help bring them to Pakistan, which is how we avail the shawls.
Is there any piece you are emotionally attached to and why?
Yes, there is a shawl called a kalandaur, I really love that shawl, so much so that I only keep it for myself. The fabric is such that you can’t do too much embroidery on it, but even so there is five inches worth of embellishment on the edges.
Share a story with us about how you acquired one of your favourite pieces:
There is a story about a piece close to my heart, a shahtoosh. It was quite expensive, and I loved it so much that I was scared to wear it. Instead, I kept saving it for a special event. Then when I finally took the shawl out, bugs had unfortunately eaten it. This was a tragically unforgettable moment for me! A good shahtoosh has specific qualities, and if you store it for too long, microscopic bugs eat it up. Therefore, whoever has a good quality shahtoosh, please take it out monthly and refresh it. You can also take two to four big elaichis, and wrap your shawl in it so that the fragrance keeps bugs away. I only found out the hard way when my shawl was ruined.
Is there anything on your radar that you want to get in the future?
Shawls are cultural and traditional; they are not a new trend but timeless pieces. I want such shawls that hold age-old, cultural stories. Original Kalamkar and Shikaragah and raja rani shawls are on my radar.