A global environmental crisis or not, with every passing day, the focus on supporting small-scale and local artisans keeps getting stronger. And considering that our Independence Day is just around the corner, it feels like there’s no better time than now to throw light on the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement led by our Prime Minister. Among other things, supporting local crafts comes at the core of this movement and so we thought we’ll highlight the five that are proving to be our favourites at the moment. What’s more? We’ve also picked out the prettiest pieces to help you add these crafts to your closet. Scroll down and hit add to cart… Chikankari Introduced to India by the Turkish 200 years ago and inspired by Mughal architecture, this craft has since then flourished immensely in the state of Lucknow. Commonly done on cotton and silk materials, this hand done embroidery is achieved by first tracing the patterns and making perforations along the lines. The threads in the same colour then are stitched over those patterns to create beautiful self-embroidery. A must-haves in Indian summer wardrobes, crisp white kurtas or ethnic pieces in pastel shades are some of the fashion’s firm favourites when it comes to this craft.
Tunic – Tarun Tahiliani, 39,900 Kalamkari This craft derives its name from the Persian word ‘kalam’ which means a pen or a writing tool. This is because, traditionally, craftsmen would hand paint story-telling motifs over the fabrics with the use of a tamarind pen. Today the craft finds its roots in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and is a result of tedious twenty-three steps from hand painting to starching. Kalamkari is commonly done in naturally occurring colours such as mustard, indigo, rust, black and green which make this craft unique. While traditionally the craft was worn on sarees, we recommend you try it on everything from roomy trousers to ethnic jackets and more.
Tunic with jacket – Abhishti , 2,160 Hand Painting Native to Rajasthan, this form of hand painting process is quickly becoming popular among the fashion fraternity. Typically hand painting delicate floral patterns on gossamer fabrics makes it a craft to covet. We think the craft looks equally refined on dupattas and sarees that lend it the extra flow.
Suit set – Thread & Button, 4,050 Bandhani If you love tie-and-dye then this craft is sure to find favours in your wardrobe. This traditional Rajasthani and Gujarati printing technique involve creating concentric circles with the help of tying threads and then dyeing the fabric. A popular choice for festive occasions, this bright and lively crafts looks great when worn on almost any silhouette, both Indian and western.
Gota Patti A type of Indian embroidery that originates from Rajasthan, gota patti is a regal craft that makes for a great heirloom piece to pass on. What this embroidery typically entails is hand weaving ribbons with silk, gold and silver threads and further cutting them in various shapes to create a range of motifs both big and small. At one point, this rich craft formed a crucial part of every Rajasthani bride’s trousseau and today it goes beyond its traditional applications resulting in more sophisticated designs on trousers, shirts and more.
Sharara set – Ishin, 4,999
