Story of Fabrics
The Earthy and Elegant Elephant Motif
A leader, gentle giant, reliable plodder and playful rogue – the magnificent personality of the elephant found in nature are so dynamic and versatile. When part of a formidable army, the elephants march together in exceptional harmony and during other times in solitude, they walk in quiet dignity and exhibit...
Patola – The Pride of Gujarat’s Exquisite Hand-Woven Craft
The lustrous textile that is meticulously woven with precision and deemed as an art form from the Patan region of Gujarat is the Patola. Often called the “Queen of Silks”, it has been worn by royals and aristocrats from the bygone era during auspicious occasions. Prized as a holy cloth...
Tamil Nadu’s Charming Collective in Cotton
When it comes to exhibiting charisma and comfort, cotton sarees deserve all the accolades. A wardrobe staple for many generations of Indian women, these elegant weaves inspire many to embrace the heritage of our land. The light and airy texture of this fabric is a delight to drape, especially during...
The Great Indian Fabric - Kanchipuram's Majestic Motifs
Nature has been a source of inspiration for motifs in Kanchipuram silk sarees, and this week’s blog is about one such unique motif, a wish-fulfilling tree or The Tree of Life, also called as Kalpa Vruksha, which was first mentioned in the Rig Veda. Kalpa Vruksha was one of the...
The Kanchipuram Crossover
Amongst the brocaded textile tradition of India, the silks of the south, especially the Kanchipuram sarees, have always had a special place in our hearts. Weddings laid the foundation for the look and style of heavy zari silks, whereas relaxed occasions demanded a lighter version. Sarees are versatile six yards of...
The Great Indian Fabric - Motifs from South India's temple towns
The integration of South Indian art and culture can be clearly traced in the craftsmanship of our loom. The weavers were inspired by huge temples with religious significance and derived symbolic meanings from its architecture. One such striking design element which has an instant recall, when anyone speaks of Kanchipuram...
Caring for your textiles
Caring for your textiles requires everyday maintenance. This week’s blog is dedicated especially to understand how to store your silk sarees.Silks sarees have always been a personal treasure for women, be it a wedding saree or an heirloom handed down to them. Like all the things we love and care...
The Great Indian Fabric - Unique motifs from the Chola Heartland
The Great Indian Fabric series is a journey of rediscovering not just an attire, but the very core of what we represent as a nation. From borders to patterns and colours to craftsmanship, the saree is a canvas for masterpieces steeped in the rich legacy of our traditions. The unstitched...
Muqaish - The metallic embroidery
The craft of embroiders is no less than the art of poets and painters who have defined cultures and civilizations. This week’s blog is an ode to the shimmering embroidery of Awadh, which is now a part of Uttar Pradesh, but was established as Faizabad in 1722 AD under the Nawabs. Known...
Caring for your textiles - Part 1
With the world practising self-isolation and social distancing, we have new-found time to embrace a lot of indoor activities. Fast-paced careers and busy lifestyles have cluttered our wardrobes, and now it’s time to improve our living spaces. It's time to pick up a task of decluttering and arranging our wardrobes,...
Phulkari - Emotions captured in embroidery
The art of embroidery is an expression of the maker, especially women, depicting their emotions in a fabric. In this week’s blog, we feature one such ethnic embroidery which was both symbolic and traditional, conveying the metaphors of a community. Phulkari, the geometric, colourful and traditional embroidery of Punjab is a...
