Pashma celebrates colors of spring

Nadine Kam photos
Pashma Hawaii International Brand Manager Naomi Gauthier is flanked by models Rose Alama, left, and Moani Hara in Pashma tops and wraps.

The lush colors of India and the luxury of cashmere were on display during a grand opening celebration and fashion show Feb. 18, featuring the Pashma Spring 2014 collection.

The boutique opened in the lobby of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, last year, but held off grand opening festivities, timing it to the arrival of the new collection in bright colors befitting the season and Hawaii resort style, even though it comes from halfway around the world.

Pashma, founded in 1991, is an India-based, family-owned company and the artisinal brand can be found in 40 countries, from Singapore to France. The shop at the Royal Hawaiian is its first in the United States.


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Before the fashion show began, guests browsed the boutique to view brand's luxurious cashmere wool, linen and silk—the "noble fibers"—scarves, wraps and ready-to-wear separates and dresses.

The show gave people many ideas on how to wear the items, so many gravitated back to the store afterward, to pick up scarves starting at about $195.

In the Year of the Horse, designer Shilu Kumar came up with a limited edition bold horse print scarf, so I scooped up this piece of wearble art, thinking it might bring me better fortune. I don't know if color matters in this regard, but although it was available in bold tangerine, I got the one in more staid gray. The soft cashmere feels so good against skin, and though lightweight, is made to keep you warm when there's a chill in the air. I plan to use it on an upcoming trip to San Francisco.
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Pashma is in the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, A Luxury Collection Resort, at 2259 Kalakaua Ave., Suite 701, behind the Sheraton Waikiki. Call 808.931.7234. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Visit www.pashma.com

Miss Hawaii USA 2014 Moani Hara in a Pashma design.

This print modeled by Miki Taniguchi is reminiscent of Hawaii flora.

This top has a flowing self-scarf, great for people who must be coordinated, but who tend to lose track of accessories.

Fresh spring colors on Rose.

Poohko Hawaii's Ritsuko Kukonu had to get a feel of this cashmere dress.

Solid colors are also available for those who fear prints.

Sales associates Maggie Shindo, left, and Joleen Kobayashi, can help you make a selection.

 I picked one of these up thinking they were scarves, but they were some very colorful leggings!

A display of unfinished pashmina wool from the cashmere goat.

Scarves for the Year of the Horse. I picked up the gray one. By the end of the evening, there was only one left, at $395 a pop.