What really is Pashmina?

Pashmina traditionally was the name given to fine fabrics woven from the hair from special Himalayan goats, Capra hihrcus, raised at high altitudes.  It comes from the Persian word for wool pashm.  The fiber was historically made into shawls in Kashmir  - mentions of which have been found in Indian texts dating back as far as 10 BC.

Pashmina now has become a word synonomous with these fine shawls - instead of with the content of them.  What used to be 100% cashmere, has now become cashmere /silk blends or worse yet rayon.  Be careful what you buy.  Do your research.  Don't buy a shawl that has a label glued into it (instead of being hand-sewn on).  If it has a shine to it, it is probably not cashmere (silk & rayon both have a shine).

What is Pashmina?

Pashmina traditionally referred to fine fabric woven from the hair of goats (Capra hircus) raised in the Himalayas at high elevations.    The name "pashmina" comes from the Persian word for wool pashm.  The fabric historically was woven in shawls in Kashmir.  There are mentions in Indian texts dating back as far as 10BC.

Pashmina today has become synonomous with "large shawl of fine drapey fabric".  The fabric content is negotiable, it can be 100% cashmere (as it was traditionally), a blend (most commonly cashmere/silk) or even 100% rayon. 

Haute:

Main Entry: haute Pronunciation: \ˈōt\
Function: adjective Etymology: French
Date: 1787
: fashionable , high-class (haute interior decorators) (a store filled with haute kitsch)