Yesterday was National Handloom Day and I take great pride in acknowledging that our country is extremely rich in varied culture and heritage fashion. Just like the West have their classics, our handlooms and handicrafts are ours. And just like the LBD by Chanel and the Le Smoking Suit by Saint Laurent are timeless treasures, the benarsis and kanjivarams are passed on from generation to generation. The older the treasure the more valuable it is. A few years ago this teasure was on the verge of getting depleted but with the help of some designers reviving this art, we are back with a bang!
At this occasion I would like to bring to you some old and new designers who have taken the initaitive to revive this art.
1. Gaurang Shah
- He’s literally the Master of Heritage Weaves that specializes in weaves such as Patola, Kanjeevaram, Paithani and Jamdani.
Patola Weaves By Gaurang Shah
Sonam Kapoor In A Matka Anarkali & Kanjeevaram Duppata
Sonam Kapoor In A Paithani Anarkali & Kanjevaram Duppata
Vidya Balan In A Kalamkari Hand Painted Saree
Sonam Kapoor Carrying A Patola Duppta
2. Raw Mango by Sanjay Garg
- Sanjay Garg is one of the first Indian designers responsible in reviving the long forgotten art of hand woven benarsis.
Kareena Kapoor in a Benarsi Woven Kurta
Sanjay Garg’s Woven Benarsi Sari
Tisca Chopra In A Varanasi Kadhwa Brocade Sari
Athiya Shetty in Benarsi Brocade Woven Lehenga
3. Anavila
- Anavila Misra specialises in organic fabric. Her label specialises in jaquard and khadi linen.
Dia Mirza in a Khadi Linen Sari
Sonali Bendre & Anavila Misra
Anavila Misra
Sonali Bendre in a Khadi Linen Kurta
In my opinion these designers are helping us revive our cultural heritage and are our real heroes of Indian Fashion. They don’t just make brilliant clothes throught their label, but also provide employment to local artisans. This is fashion that your grandmothers have been wearing and your grandchild will want to wear.
What are your thoughts about wearing handloom?