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Himalayan mountains and river valley near Nepal

Premium Himalayan Cashmere, Thoughtfully Crafted

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Founder Krishna B. Kunwar seated on temple steps in front of a brick wall
Founder, Krishna B. Kunwar1982

ABOUT US

A Family Legacy Woven Into Every Fibre

NEPALI CASHMERE / SINCE 1982

For more than four decades, KPA has been devoted to one pursuit: creating exceptional Nepali cashmere.

Founded in 1982 by Krishna B. Kunwar, the company began as Krishna Pashmina Arts (KPA) — built with a deep knowledge of the craft, a belief in the potential of Nepali cashmere, and a determination to build something lasting. As the business evolved and its vision expanded beyond traditional pashmina, Krishna Pashmina Arts was later rebranded as KPA Cashmere, reflecting a broader collection of contemporary cashmere products and a growing presence in international markets.

Artisan working on a traditional cashmere loom

Rooted in Craft

In those early days, there were no sophisticated machines, no social media, and few easy routes to international markets. The finest fibres were sourced directly from across Nepal, from the semi-domesticated Himalayan goat, Chyangra. Each fibre was carefully selected, carded and handspun, with the yarn prepared by hand before making its way to the loom.

With just a handful of weavers, the first shawls were created — and alongside them, a culture of craftsmanship and skill development began to take shape.

Hands buttoning a herringbone cashmere cardigan

Crafting More Than Cashmere

From the very beginning, craftsmanship was seen as more than a means of producing beautiful garments. Traditional skills were taught, artisans were trained, and opportunities were created for people to build sustainable livelihoods through their craft.

This commitment to people and heritage became as important to KPA as the products themselves. Today, those values continue to shape the way we work — preserving the knowledge behind Nepali cashmere while creating opportunities for it to evolve.

Artisan's hand guiding fine cashmere yarn onto a spindle of a traditional spinning wheel

Challenging Tradition.
Respecting Craft.

Innovation has always been part of the KPA story. At a time when combining cashmere with silk was still relatively unexplored, experimentation with the two fibres introduced new textures, finishes and possibilities for Nepali cashmere. The boundaries of traditional shawl-making were gradually expanded through the exploration of new fibres, colours, textures and contemporary designs — helping bring Nepali cashmere to a wider international audience.

Yet through every evolution, one principle remained unchanged: Quality was never negotiable.

Even when maintaining the highest standards meant accepting lower margins — or, at times, no profit at all — the quality of the finished product was never compromised. “The quality had to speak for itself.”

Model holding an ombré blue-to-rust cashmere shawl overhead in a sunlit temple square

A Heritage Built on Trust

That philosophy earned KPA the trust of renowned fashion houses and brands across Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East.

Between 2001 and 2008, KPA became Nepal’s largest pashmina exporter, building a reputation not simply on the beauty of its products, but on consistency, craftsmanship and trust.

Over the years, the collection has evolved beyond handwoven shawls to include contemporary cashmere clothing, knitwear, accessories and childrenswear — while remaining deeply rooted in the traditions and skills from which the company began.

Model wearing a striped cashmere scarf over a textured taupe knit sweater

From Our Family to the World

Today, KPA is proudly second-generation-run, bringing together more than four decades of family heritage with modern design, responsible production and contemporary manufacturing.

From fine Nepali fibres to finished products, our expertise spans the entire journey — from concept and development to craftsmanship and production.

The tools have evolved. The markets have expanded. The designs have changed. But the belief remains the same:

Exceptional cashmere begins with exceptional craftsmanship, respect for the people behind it, and an uncompromising commitment to quality.

From our family to yours, we bring the finest of Nepali cashmere to the world.

OUR HISTORY

Key moments in KPA Cashmere history

Three decades of craftsmanship, innovation, and continuous growth have shaped KPA Cashmere into a trusted manufacturing partner. From traditional cashmere products to a complete range of premium collections, our journey reflects a commitment to quality, expertise, and lasting partnerships.

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ESTABLISHED
1994

Krishna Pashmina Arts was registered in Kathmandu

TOP EXPORT AWARD
2001

Top export award from Nepal Chamber of Commerce

TOP EXPORT AWARD
2001-2002

Top export award from Ministry of Industry Commerce of Supplies Export Promotion Board Fiscal year

TOP EXPORT AWARD
2002

Top export award from Nepal Chamber of Commerce

TOP EXPORT AWARD
2002-2003

Top export award from Ministry of Industry Commerce of Supplies Export Promotion Board Fiscal year

TOP EXPORT AWARD
2003

Top export award from Nepal Chamber of Commerce

TOP EXPORT AWARD
2003-2004

Top export award from Ministry of Industry Commerce of Supplies Export Promotion Board Fiscal year

TOP EXPORT AWARD
2004

Top export award from Nepal Chamber of Commerce

TOP EXPORT AWARD
2005

Top export award from Nepal Chamber of Commerce

STARTED IN DUBAI
2005

Himalayan Cashmere Crafts Trading LLC., a sister concern started in Dubai, UAE

INTERNATIONAL AWARD
2009

International Quality Management Award, Paris

INTERNATIONAL AWARD
2010

BID International Quality Summit Award, New York, 2010

REBRANDED
2010

Company rebranded as KPA Cashmere

STARTED IN LA, USA
2011

Plush Cashmere, a sister concern, established in Los Angeles, USA

TOP EMERGING DESIGNERS
2015

Plush Cashmere selected as one of the top emerging designers in Las Vegas Convention

LA FASHION WEEK
2015

Plush Cashmere participated in LA fashion week

STARTED IN NY, USA
2015

Plush Cashmere starts selling in New York, USA