The Silk Route: A Legacy in Every Thread
“True luxury is made by hand, with time and patience.”
Text: VIONNE Magazine | Fashion: The Silk Route | Photos: Blair Bartlett
Models: Soli Mgmt | Set Design: Cailean Jan
From Kashmiri Heritage to Canadian Runways
In a world that spins ever faster, The Silk Route offers a moment of stillness — a space where history, craftsmanship, and fashion converge. Born out of a love story and shaped by generations of tradition, the brand is the vision of Cailean Jan, who fell in love not only with the beauty of Kashmir but with the soul behind each thread, rug, and shawl.
Shot by Blair Bartlett and styled by Cailean herself, this editorial transforms textures into storytelling. Against a backdrop of luxurious silk carpets and artisanal fabrics, models from Soli Mgmt embody the quiet power of heritage turned into high fashion. It’s not just a collection — it’s a conversation between past and present.
From their emotional debut at Halifax Fashion Week to future dreams, The Silk Route is weaving something greater than garments. It's preserving a legacy. And it’s only just begun.
Interview with Cailean Jan
VIONNE: Cailean, let’s talk about the roots of The Silk Route. How did your journey with the brand begin?
Cailean: My husband Nadeem was born in Kashmir and through him, and through my travels to Kashmir, I discovered an entire world of artistry. I was completely moved by the craftsmanship and the quiet dedication of the artisans. For me, it started as admiration and then became somewhat of a mission to share their work and stories with people here in Halifax, where I live.
VIONNE: The rugs, textures, and garments in your recent shoot are visually stunning — but they’re also deeply meaningful. Can you tell us about the generations of craftsmanship behind these pieces?
Cailean: Each piece we carry has a soul. Many of the artisans are continuing a legacy that has been passed down through their families for generations. Fathers teaching sons and mothers teaching daughters. In every hand knotted rug and every embroidered shawl, there is a story of patience, tradition and pride. There is no rush in this process. When you touch one of our pieces, you're holding a piece of Kashmiri history and that is something that cannot be replicated by machines or mass production.
VIONNE: Bringing this heritage to Canada must have been both exciting and challenging. What were some of the first steps you took to shape The Silk Route into a fashion label?
Cailean: It was definitely a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Firstly, we had to build trust both with the artisans and then with a new audience here. I wanted to make sure everything we showed honored the ethnicity of the craft while still appealing to modern fashion tastes. I wanted people to connect with The Silk Route emotionally, the way I did when I first saw the artistry in Kashmir. I didn't want The Silk Route to just sell beautiful things, I wanted it to represent the beauty of the culture and the craftsmanship.
VIONNE: Your debut at Halifax Fashion Week was a major milestone. How did it feel seeing the collection on such a big stage?
Cailean: It was actually surreal! I still get goosebumps when I think about it. It truly felt like a celebration not only for me but for every artisan in Kashmir.
VIONNE: The editorial was shot by Blair Bartlett in a very intimate environment. What was the intention behind this, and how does it reflect the essence of your brand?
Cailean: Blair has an incredible gift for capturing emotion. I wanted the shoot to look like a silk carpet palace. The fabrics and textures truly have a voice of their own and Blair was able to have their voices be heard through his work, it is truly remarkable.
VIONNE: There’s a quiet power in this collection — regal yet earthy, timeless yet relevant. How would you describe the emotional or spiritual story your garments tell?
Cailean: I think each piece in this collection carries a sense of belonging to Kashmir, to tradition and to the person who wears it. There's a stillness in the way these garments are made. They remind us to slow down and appreciate the beauty in imperfection and patience. The pieces are regal because of the craftsmanship, but earthy because of their honesty. My hope is that when someone wears The Silk Route they will feel connected to something timeless.
VIONNE: As a brand rooted in heritage, what message do you hope your journey sends to other young designers, especially those balancing cultural respect with innovation?
Cailean: I hope it shows that honoring tradition and embracing innovation can complement each other beautifully. When you lead with respect for where something comes from, creativity naturally follows.
VIONNE: Lastly, what can we expect from The Silk Route in the next chapter?
Cailean: The next chapter is about growth but always with heart. We are expanding our collections and exploring new ways to blend Kashmiri artistry with contemporary design, while continuing to give artisans a global platform. Above all, our mission will always remain: To keep the spirit of craftsmanship alive and remind people that true luxury is made by hand, with time and patience.
Follow The Silk Route | Blair Bartlett | Soli Mgmt
Want more?
Order Isssue #6 to discover more powerful stories and explore exclusive features, interviews, and fashion highlights.
Available now online & in print-on-demand.
