Podcast Summary: What We Wore – ARCHIVE | Yaser Shaw

Host: Laura Vinroot Poole
Guest: Yaser Shaw
Release Date: April 14, 2026

Episode Overview

In this conversation, Laura Vinroot Poole welcomes Yaser Shaw, a seventh-generation shawl maker from Kashmir, whose family has been in the business for over 200 years. With a focus on the artistry, tradition, and personal connections behind Kashmiri shawls, the episode delves into the ancestral craft, the lives of the artisans, and the meaning of “slow fashion.” Yaser shares insights into his family's legacy, the value of handmade work, and the cultural importance of shawls, making this a moving tribute to craftsmanship and heritage.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Journey and Relationship (00:06–03:30)

• Yaser’s Long Trip to Charlotte:
  • Yaser describes his journey from Kashmir, involving 25 hours of travel (00:59).
  • Laura remarks on the anticipation and excitement among customers for his visit, noting most shawls sold out instantly (01:09–01:26).
• Longstanding Partnership:
  • Their professional relationship spans over a decade (02:06), with Yaser recalling his first trunk show in 2012.
  • Discussion on how well Yaser now knows Capitol’s clients and their preferences, with some even having entire “shawl closets” (02:23–02:33).

Kashmiri Heritage & Family Craft (03:30–07:01)

• Kashmir’s Beauty and Tradition:
  • Yaser paints a picture of his culturally rich and naturally stunning homeland, emphasizing the role this environment played in inspiring his artistry (03:30–03:48).
  • He shares that the shawl business has been in his family for over 200 years; he is the fifth generation carrying it forward (04:28).
• Coming Into the Craft:
  • Shawl making was a family expectation, with Yaser absorbing skills and traditions from a young age (04:47–05:07).
  • He expresses a deep love for the art, distinguishing his approach as more art-focused than trade-focused, especially drawn to experimenting with color and motifs (05:15–05:42).
• Family Involvement:
  • His sister is also in the business, working on different collections (05:56–06:07).
  • Both men and women in Kashmir wear shawls for warmth, fashion, and special occasions like weddings (06:15–06:25).

Artistry and Technical Details (06:30–10:42)

• Kani Shawls & Workshops:

  • Description of intricate kani shawls, woven on flat looms with small wooden needles; can take up to several years to complete (06:30–07:01).
  • Different families and areas specialize in particular techniques—some weave, others embroider.
  • Yaser knows many artisans personally, handing down skills generationally (07:33–08:09).

• Artisan Relations & Community:

  • Yaser’s network includes 700 artisans; communication can be challenging during Kashmir’s periodic connectivity blackouts, with Yaser visiting artisans personally by bicycle (08:35–09:04).
  • Despite external hardships, work never ceased: “But we never stopped working, you know; we were always working.” — Yaser Shaw (09:05)

From Tradition to Fashion (09:11–11:11)

• Bringing Tradition to Fashion:

  • Early collaboration with Christina Kim (Dosa) inspired Yaser to view his work beyond tradition and see its impact in the contemporary fashion world (09:26–10:01).
  • The immense customer enthusiasm for his shawls in the U.S. was a revelation and affirmation of his direction.

• Sharing Recognition with Artisans:

  • Modern tools like Instagram help artisans see their work appreciated globally. “They know it now ... they see what they have created is now in States or in Europe and Paris in high fashion stores.” — Yaser Shaw (10:55)

Legacy, Material, and Techniques (11:19–15:02)

• Personal Life:
  • Yaser shares he’s the father of two daughters, ages three and nine, and enjoys traveling with them, hoping to pass along his experiences (11:19–11:54).
• Pashmina: The True Cashmere:
  • The word “pashmina” is explained as meaning wool in Persian; the mislabeling of cashmere is addressed (12:07–12:38).
  • Shawl making in Kashmir dates to the 1500s, with techniques and loom work passed unchanged through generations.
• No Electricity, Pure Handcraft:
  • Every step is done by hand without electricity: spinning, weaving, and embroidery (14:05–14:21).
  • Laura reflects on the preciousness and visceral beauty of these hand-crafted pieces, linking it to “slow fashion” (14:21–14:58).

Heirlooms and Care (15:02–17:10)

• Shawl Heirlooms:

  • Yaser’s family keeps old shawls in a vault protected with cedar (15:09–15:26).
  • Care tips: hand washing in cold water with wool detergent recommended to prevent moth damage (15:40–15:59).

• Wool Gathering:

  • Traditional springtime shearing—once a year for best fiber quality.
  • “By sharing them only annually, the length of each hair spun into yarn is very long ... the less pilling will be there because there are fewer ends.” — Yaser Shaw (16:41)

Artisans and Gender (17:10–19:10)

• Force of 700 Artisans:

  • 600 out of 700 artisans focus on embroidery, most of whom are men—reflecting generational customs (18:12–18:19).
  • Yaser also does embroidery (“not very good with weaving”), noting the challenges of the craft.

• Workday Rhythms:

  • Embroidery is done only in daylight—no artificial light, preserving eyesight and tradition (18:58–19:10).

Artistic Process and Unique Pieces (19:24–21:17)

• Commissioning and Execution:
  • Each shawl is stamped with a design and entrusted to a single artisan who embroiders it over several months.
  • Individual signatures: initials stitched in pink thread; family symbol (SP), weaver’s, and embroiderer’s marks (20:17–20:38).
  • “Each is one of a kind ... because the artist knows where to put which color. If a second person takes over, even with the same thread, the result changes.” — Yaser Shaw (19:48–20:08)

Color Preferences Around the World (21:29–23:02)

• Color and Culture:
  • Color choices differ by geography: Japanese clients prefer conservative, tone-on-tone; Southern U.S. and California clients favor bright, happy hues (22:30–22:47).
  • Yaser tailors collections to clients’ personalities and comfort levels.

Shawls as Fashion & Function (23:02–25:13)

• Rise in U.S. Popularity:
  • Laura shares observations on the practicality and visual impact of shawls, not just as tradition but as wearable art; key to travel wardrobes and adaptable to climates like California (23:02–24:36).
  • Shawls “bring light to your face” and can be more important than a coat or shoes on trips.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Production at its root is what we call as slow fashion. And each scarf takes time. There are no shortcuts.” — Yaser Shaw (14:53)
• “You can keep them forever—generations. This is how they’re supposed to be.” — Yaser Shaw (17:06)
• “No electricity is used; everything is hand-done from spinning, weaving, embroidery.” — Yaser Shaw (14:05)
• (On artisans’ pride) “They know it now. They follow me on Instagram. They see what they have created is now in States or in Europe and Paris in high fashion stores.” — Yaser Shaw (10:55)

Family, Succession & Favorites (25:13–28:07)

• Handing Down the Lineage:
  • Yaser reflects on the difficulty of earning his father’s trust to take creative liberties in the business. “Parents always say, ‘This is the way we have been doing it.’” — Yaser Shaw (27:25)
• Favorite Shawls:
  • While Yaser has favorite pieces, he finds joy in seeing them cherished by others (26:28).
  • Fashion sense seems innate; Laura jokes about Yaser’s effortless style, contrasting it with her own need to learn (26:39–27:12).

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:06] Opening and Laura introduces Yaser Shaw, outlines family’s 200-year legacy
• [01:09] Laura describes frenzied customer excitement over shawls
• [02:06] Discussion of 10+ year partnership, recalling first trunk show
• [03:30] Yaser paints the culture and scenery of Kashmir
• [04:28] Family lineage and expectations to join the shawl business
• [06:30] Technical description of kani shawls and workshop divisions
• [08:35] Yaser works with 700 artisans, communications during Kashmiri conflict
• [09:26] Pivot to fashion, story collaborations with Dosa/Christina Kim
• [11:19] Yaser’s fatherhood and personal transformations
• [12:07] Clarifies the meaning and origin of “pashmina”
• [14:05] All work done without electricity; slow fashion practices
• [16:41] Wool collection—long fiber due to annual shearing
• [18:12] Gender and generational aspects of artisan community
• [19:48] One shawl, one embroiderer: uniqueness of each piece
• [20:17] Shawl signatures: SP, weaver, embroiderer
• [22:30] Color preferences: Japan vs. U.S. clients
• [23:02] Shawl trends in the U.S., practicality for travel
• [25:13] Reflections on partnership and sharing the artistry
• [26:28] On not keeping favorite shawls, but sharing them
• [27:25] On earning his father's trust and evolving the business

Final Takeaways

Yaser Shaw’s story is one of living heritage, where tradition coexists with international appreciation and innovation. His commitment to slow, hand-made fashion, the careful stewardship of artisan relationships, and the joy of spreading beauty across cultures are all palpable in the conversation. Poole and Shaw’s mutual respect and warmth also illustrate how authentic relationships, not just commerce, drive the enduring appeal of what we wear.