History
Technically the shawl as a garment and as a word comes from 14th century Persia.
The shawl evolved into its high-grade, sartorial use in the 15th century, and was used in the 16th century by Mughal and Iranian emperors, both personally and for honouring members of their darbar.
The art of embroidering a shawl started in the Mughal period and continues to awe strike admirers till now and has become a symbol of exotic luxury.
Faizals Craft’s legacy can be traced back to early 20th century. It was Abdul Ahad Bhat (‘Nanaji’) who initiated the craft of doing needlework over pashmina in the family.
His wife Zoona Begum (‘Nani’) lovingly known as ‘Boba’ by her family members used to spin yarn on spinning wheel (Charkha) to produce fine pashmina and was an expert at embroidery. Before 1980, spinning yarn was found in every Kashmir’s household. The house wives would in part time use spinning wheels to make yarn for Pashmina shawls and earn their livelihood in a dignified manner.
Nazeer Ahmad Bhat (Mamaji) following in his parents footsteps perfected the art of Naquashi and conceived ethereal embroidered masterpieces that got recognition from government of India. He was acclaimed for his signature butterfly embroidery work on pashmina.
Their third-generation predecessor, Fazal Meer embraced the rich profuse legacy and started Faizals craft in 1998 to preserve and promote the sacred family heirloom craft and artisans of Kashmir.
With customers spanning across 70+ countries, Faizal crafts products are loved and patronised all around the world, its a testament to rich history, unprecedented quality and artistic innovation.
Sustainable Practices
Since it’s inception in 1998, Faizals Craft works cooperatively with its workers and maintains long-term relationships. A percentage of total profit goes into helping the workers and their families.
To uplift and conserve the local craft, we procure directly from the artisans while employing strict no child labour and forced labour policies.
Faizals Craft does not discriminate its workers based on their gender, disability, religion or race. Both male and female workers are employed.
People below 18 years of age are not recruited, and child labour is strictly prohibited - even in a home-based working environment.
Faizals Craft is committed to provide safe and healthy working environment at handlooms and our warehouses for all workers as per the guidelines provided in the National Labour Law.
Production efficiency target is set for 50% and the workers are not forced to exceed the target. However, an incentive is paid for the individuals who exceed the daily target with the expected quality.
Handloom industry is recognized as an environmentally sustainable industry due to its low energy and resources used, Faizals Craft has taken further sustainable initiatives to improve our environmental condition.
Faizals Craft has taken further sustainable initiatives to improve our environmental condition. The dyes used in our scarves are azo-free which are non-toxic.
Waste water from the dye house is treated and released to agricultural fields, and the dye sludge is sent to be reused in the cement industry. The production process focuses on achieving zero waste material.