Our Origin Story

Sylvért was founded in July 2024 by William Westhead and Anshika Kushwaha Westhead following a visit to Leh, in the Indian Himalayas. While exploring the region, they encountered pashmina at its source, sold locally alongside fine cashmere and blended textiles. What began as a discovery quickly became a commercial realisation: genuine pashmina, as a fibre, was largely absent and misunderstood in Western markets.

In the West, “pashmina” has been diluted into a generic term for scarves and shawls, often bearing little relation to the original material. At the same time, fast fashion has conditioned consumers toward low-cost, disposable products, frequently produced with synthetic blends and chemical treatments. Sylvért was established to address both issues; restoring the definition of pashmina as a rare natural fibre, and offering a clear alternative to mass-produced accessories.

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The brand works directly with a single, government-certified supplier based in Northern India. Raw fibre is sourced from the Changthangi goat in Ladakh and processed and loomed in Kashmir by skilled artisans. Each pashmina piece is handwoven using traditional methods, with either undyed fibres or plant-based dyes. Cashmere products are produced using Azo-free dyes and modern looms that still require skilled human oversight.

Material quality is defined by fibre diameter, provenance, and process. All batches are subject to independent testing, with GI-style verification ensuring authenticity. Production is carried out within established cottage industry frameworks, where artisans are compensated in line with regional standards. Fibre collection is non-invasive, relying on seasonal combing rather than shearing.

Sylvért exists to provide direct access to authentic pashmina and high-grade cashmere without the distortion of branding markups or compromised supply chains. The products are designed as long-term garments; functional, durable, and suitable for both formal and casual use.

The company is currently building its presence through direct-to-consumer channels, early customer adoption, and targeted partnerships, with plans to expand into a broader luxury lifestyle offering over time.

Discover the making of Pashmina and Cashmere in our curated collection of articles below.

House of Sylvért

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