The technique of block printing has been a part of the Indian fashion DNA for centuries now. From traces found belonging to the period of the Indus Valley civilisation to its evolution during the Mughal era, the textile technique has come a long way and stayed put in the Indian woman’s wardrobe. What’s more? It has also crossed boundaries and made its way to the global fashion space.
The block print is one of the most popular textile styles across the country, however, it isn’t just restricted to one part or region. Rajasthan is one of the most important regions that house this textile art with several local communities involved in the technique that has travelled in time through generations. Gujarat, one of India’s most important textile hubs, also houses communities that work on block printing. While Rajasthan is best known for Bagru, Dabu and calico prints, Gujarat is most famous for its Ajrakh. Punjab and West Bengal are also popular for their versions of the block print.
Block prints have famously been used in Indian wear like sarees, dresses and skirts, as is still the case. But along the way, block printing has come to have extensively been used by Indian brands for more modern silhouettes as well. While this has made the technique a lot more popular amongst younger consumers, this wasn’t the case until a few years back.
When digital textile printing was introduced in full swing in the 1990s, many local and heritage crafts took a backseat. Sustainability was being replaced by the affordability of modern ways of printing and synthetic fabrics. Much like across many sectors in the fashion industry, homogenous products lost out on business, as did many local artisans. It’s only in recent years of increased exposure and a focus on conscious fashion, that entrepreneurs and designers have begun to revive heritage crafts. One of those many heritage crafts is the block print.
Jodi
Image Courtesy: Instagram/thejodilife
Started a couple of years back by fashion stylist-turned-designer duo Gauri Verma and Karuna Laungani, Jodi’s primary focus is the art of block prints. The brand works with a Jaipur-based block printer family to bring its unique, quirky and vibrant prints to life. Their dresses, which balance the ethnic craft seamlessly with a modern silhouette are most popular amongst Jodi customers. One of the most intriguing things about the brand is how it brings to life inspirations from art, music, movies and more without taking away from the ethnicity of the craft. Jodi also has an ethnic wear line that includes sarees, sets, blouses and more.
Maikai
Image Courtesy: Instagram/maikaiclothing
Launched during the pandemic, this young brand reimagines traditional block prints on 100 per cent cotton for sustainable and custom-made sports bras and sports sets. Maikai’s organic popularity is not just a result of great quality products but also its unique homegrown solution to the Indian woman’s sportswear problem of not finding the right fit. Besides sportswear, the brand also has a line of dresses, tops and more. Recently, the brand launched its very own version of the Little Black Dress as well, featuring a floral block print.
Quaint Hues
Image Courtesy: Instagram/quainthues
Another recently launched brand is Quaint Hues. The brand’s summer-style dresses are a breath of fresh air and perfect for a casual aesthetic. Add beautifully crafted block prints to the mix and you have some of the best pieces your wardrobe will thank you for. The brand gives a casual spin to the ethnic element of block prints perfectly well, something most customers today are taking after.
Block Shop Textiles
Image Courtesy: Instagram/blockshoptextiles
The Los Angeles and Jaipur-based brand was started by the artist Lily Stockman and her sister Hopie Stockman, a textile designer. Mapping the block printing technique on the global map, the brand created robes, scarves and more using block prints.