Handloom: A treasure trove of culture

To commemorate Indian weavers on National Handloom Day, fashion designers rebrand handloom fabrics to give it a contemporary appeal. We give you a lowdown on the unconventional approach

It was in 2015, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced August 7 as National Handloom Day, a day to celebrate Indian handloom that represents the culture and craftsmanship of the country. Handloom fabric not only has tradition attached to it, but tells a story of its origin. Gone are the days when handloom fabrics were only used to make saris. Today, Indian fashion designers have recognised various contemporary styles to suit the current lifestyle and demand of buyers. “Celebration of the Indian handloom weaves from all corners of India is a worthy pursuit, it is really good to see a collective consciousness that is being created through National Handloom Day. The spirit needs to be adopted as an ethical lifestyle option in one’s wardrobes, home furnishings and work spaces to keep the handloom traditions of India alive,” says fashion designer Vaibbhavi P.

REBRANDING TRADITION

It’s high time we address this before it loses its legacy. ustainability and cohave xistence shifted the ocus of the fashion ommunity to look into eceding craftsmanship f Indian handlooms. he Indian handloom eeds rebranding from n understated istorical approach to coveted piece of uxury,” says ashion designer nd entrepreneur weta Agrawal. India is rich hen it comes o handloom nd we are ndeed lucky to have access to credible fabrics uch as Paithani from aharahtra, Mashru rom Gujarat, Bengal ul from Kolkata, West Bengal) uga silk from Assam, ota silk from Rajasthan and Maheshwari from Madhya Pradhesh, to name a few. According to fashion designer Sanjay Garg, handloom speaks to many communities and the human condition — it is important to recognise the value of handloom on a larger or national scale as well as regional. “To protect this art, we should all be socially and environmentally conscious — not just in fashion but in all aspects of our life,” adds Garg.

A GOOD INVESTMENT

For fashion designer Jebin Johny, investing in handloom products is the real luxury. “When you buy a handloom product, you are buying the emotions of a family, their hard work, art and an abundance of love. You are supporting a family living in the remote villages and their dreams,” says Jebin.

Vaibbhavi shares that her slow fashion label is strongly committed to provide sustainable livelihoods to the weaver community and also bring new adaptations of the heritage handloom weaves to create contemporary fusion fashion lines and provide responsible fashion solutions in today’s world.

The chikan work in this ensemble is fine and delicate which is made through handwoven Bengal mul which lends a lightweight and airy feel and also brings out the intricacy of the details.

This jade green poncho and pant suit is a great garment to perk up a basic tunic or trouser set. The borders with ave motifs add the required weight to enhance the drape. The handied tassels lend a trendy fringe nd upcycled colourful boats dd a quirky...

The Kerala cotton handloom abric is breathable and uits well in hot and cold eather. The fabric ecomes softer after every wash and lasts or ages

Mashru is the perfect fabric, giving a luxurious fall and drape without compromising on the comfort. Keeping the body cool in hot climates, it is a practical fabric too.