Ready to dive into the world of exquisite handcrafted attire? Let's celebrate the incredible talent and heritage of India's local artisans. We're putting the spotlight on their skillful craftsmanship, showcasing traditional clothing that's a beautiful blend of culture and artistry. Get ready to explore the stories behind these unique creations and discover the artisans and brands passionately preserving our rich traditions through handmade clothing!
Ajrakh By Majid Khatri
UNESCO award-winning artisan Majid Khatri, heralding from the esteemed Khatri Community of Kutch, Gujarat is renowned for his mastery in Ajrakh craft. Khatri's creations are celebrated for their exceptional design, craftsmanship, and use of natural dyes. Ajrakh, an ancient vegetable dyeing and resist block-printing technique on cloth, embodies a timeless legacy with its fusion of geometric and floral motifs, continuing a tradition that dates back thousands of years. Hailing from a lineage deeply rooted in this craft, Khatri's innovative designs and commitment to quality perpetuate the rich heritage of Ajrakh, echoing the artistry that thrived in the Indus Valley civilizations from 2500 BC-1500 BC.
Tubruk By Inshada Mir
Inshada Bashir Mir, the visionary behind "Tubruk," draws inspiration from the essence of Kashmiri heritage and tradition. Tubruk, named after the Kashmiri term signifying a "souvenir" or a "very special object," encapsulates the notion of blessings and significance. Mir's brand harmonizes the timeless craftsmanship of Kashmir with contemporary trends, fostering a seamless fusion. Each handcrafted product under Tubruk embodies a narrative woven intricately by skilled artisans, showcasing their resilience, aspirations, and dignity. Tubruk’s products feature embroidery crafts like Aari and Sozni on dupattas, saris and even handmade accessories.
Bandhani by Aashiya Khatri Zahirahemad
Aashiya Khatri Zahirahemad, hails from a family deeply rooted in the art of Bandhani. With her family's longstanding legacy in Bandhani and Ajrakh retail, spanning back to the 1980s, Aashiya's upbringing was steeped in the rich traditions of this craft. Initially, her family's division led her mother to pioneer online Bandhani sales through WhatsApp, marking a ground-breaking venture within their Khatri community.
Her passion for traditional crafts led her to Somaiya Kala Vidya, where she learns the craft, aiming to further enhance her knowledge and skills in this field. With two years of hands-on experience in Bandhani and dyeing, Aashiya has actively showcased her family's craft at local exhibitions in Bhuj and explored craft-based exhibitions for wider exposure. Her latest collection of Bandhani, inspired by distortion is an unconventional take on the craft and how it translates on garments.
Gaurang Shah
Gaurang Shah, a textile virtuoso based in Hyderabad, champions India's weaving traditions, engaging 7000 artisans across 16 states for over 20 years. His brand, Gaurang, redefines luxury through heritage handwoven sarees, which includes indigenous weaves like Paithani, Khadi, Bandhani, Upadda and many more. Committed to artisans' socio-economic growth, the brand fosters continual personal development while upholding impeccable craftsmanship. Each saree embodies wearable art, symbolizing the pinnacle of artistry and design innovation in Indian textiles.
Dharki
Dharki, a heritage textiles brand, is while cherishing its deep-rooted traditions with Indian crafts. With this commitment to meticulous and unhurried craftsmanship, Dharki collaborates with generations of skilled artisans from Benares, Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. With over 500 looms at work, the brand serves as a sanctuary for handloom creations, seamlessly blending ancient weaving customs with contemporary design sensibilities. At Mélange in Mumbai, Dharki's latest collection features an extensive range of saris, odhnas, and dupattas, each with captivating backstories. From the Iconic Drapes collection, highlighting sheer katan and Mashru silk sarees, to the Morning Mist collection adorned with delicate floral motifs, the diversity of Dharki's offerings is mesmerising.