India’s handloom fabrics have been an integral part of the country’s cultural tapestry. As we celebrate National Handloom Day today, a new generation of designers has emerged at the forefront of breathing new life into our textile legacy. From incorporating the unique Maheshwari weaves of Madhya Pradesh to the delicate Jamdani of West Bengal, these designers are not only preserving this invaluable craft but also elevating it to new heights.
Ateev Anand, from Re-ceremonial — a luxury clothing brand recycling textiles, shares, “We are trying to re-establish rooted design expressions via craftsmanship. We source our material from traditional crafts, which were over time exposed to ‘modern ideas’ and therefore a loss of original heritage.” He adds, “We want people to know they are buying not just a label but centuries worth of practice and culture.
” For Vaishali Shadangule, founder, Vaishali S Couture, the handloom techniques of Jamdani, Khun, Kesarpat and Maheshwari are a constant in her collections. “These weaves are close to my heart. It gives me unparalleled satisfaction to bring them to a luxury stage.
” Her work has also brought the younger generation of weavers, who had left their villages for the big cities, back to the looms. “The women especially have higher social status and economic freedom because of this,” she shares. Rina Singh, founder, Eka, a textile-led contemporary design studio, emphasises the blend of traditional and modern in her wor.