Several Indian designers have been lending their mastered wisdom to bring forth the enriched craftsmanship that has originated in the country. Intrinsic craftsmanship of chikankari, zardozi embroideries and handwoven excellence of benarasi from our cultural heritage is today a part of Indian Couture and will have a place in the closet of an Indian women’s closet unto posterity. Talented designers have been reimagining our artistic heirloom in modern ways to reckon with the urban taste. Bringing a sense of nostalgia and narrating the stories of our versatile culture, designers have glorified traditional weaves and craftsmanship bringing them to the centre stage time and again.
Benarasi
Benarasi weaves hold major prominence in the age-old Indian craft and was revived significantly by labels like Ekaya and a few others to sustain in the new age. The metallic finished weaves are handcrafted with real silver and gold threads where the production time can span up to years. Widely preferred by Indian royals, benarasi weave sarees are a classic investment that will last you a lifetime. For a more modern nudge, we recommend wearing benarasi skirts with chic crop tops and shirts.
Ikat Weave
A hallmark craft from Odisha, the age-old matured ikat weave has become a millennial favourite finding its way into dresses, shirts and even upholstery. Its striking curvilinear appearance is developed by tie-dying the warp and weft threads to create the design on the loom prior to weaving. Ace designers Saaksha & Kinni embrace ikat weave in a spectrum of colours, so investing in a couple of pieces for your capsule wardrobe is only smart.
Block Printing
A laborious art form from Jaipur, Rajasthan, block printing is done by stamping lengths of cotton with hand-carved blocks. These impeccable stamps are inspired by nature and archaic motifs. Anita Dongre has played a vital role in reviving the craft that was staggering to extinction. Her collections are often embraced with ingenious block printing on fabric to finely element her opulent creations.
Chikankari
One of the reasons why the city of Nawabs, Lucknow is famous is because of Chikankari. The art of hand embroidery has managed to boost its way back in recent times after suffering the loss of royal patronage. The embroidery has a richness and exquisiteness of its own to primp any piece of fabric. House of Kotwara stands as one of the distinguished label known for rendering the chikankari embroidery in their imperial repertoire.
Temple Jewellery
Recognized as a part of our ancestry, temple jewellery traces its roots since the age of Indian monarchy. Earlier, temple jewellery was adorned by royals and deities at the temple also becoming a part of the costume of classical dance forms. Reimagining the craft in sync with the sensibilities of the 21st century, Aaharya is one of the labels to bring the antiquated form of jewellery reimagined in a fusion-age platter.
