Fashionably Wrapped: The Influence of Kashmir Shawls
This exhibition traces the origins of the shawl from the noble courts of India, where finely woven pieces were made and worn for several centuries, to the high-fashion market in Europe, where shawls were desired for their unusual beauty and exquisite weaving. With 33 beautiful examples from the Textile Museum’s permanent collection, the exhibition will examine how in Europe the shawl became a symbol of femininity, integrating the romantic exoticism of the 18th century with the Victorian values of innocence and decency of the mid 19th century. With their warm colours and luxurious softness, the Kashmir shawl and its European imitations embody a cross cultural phenomenon with roots in India but identified with France and Great Britain.
Related Programs and Events
Curator’s Tour
Wednesday May 5, 6:30 pm
Join Natalia Nekrassova in the galleries for a tour of Fashionably Wrapped: the Influence of Kashmir Shawls.
Free with admission.
Lecture: Mangoes on Fabric with Sartaj Kaur
Wednesday May 19, 6:30 pm
Sartaj Kaur will give a talk on the unique textile art of Kashmir and why it has always been a luxury item. She will discuss history, technique, style, the contemporary market, and how to identify an authentic Kashmir shawl. Sartaj Kaur is the owner of and designer for Kinna Sohna, one of Toronto’s leading boutiques of fine handcrafted textiles.
Free for TMC Members and Full-time students, Non-members $12.
Advance tickets may be purchased in person at the TMC’s front desk. Please arrive early, seating is limited.
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