The Kutch Collection / S/S 2023

Spring/Summer 2023 –– Kutch is a rare and unusual place in a somewhat remote location on the northwesternmost part of the Indian coast. As a native state for four hundred years and now a part of Gujarat, Kutch is renowned for its preservation of the culture of its nomadic peoples and the special character of its arts.

Today Kutch retains a vibrant individuality and character that is resistant to modernization. Bhuj, the former capital of Kutch, remains largely a walled town free from auto traffic, where traditional crafts are sold and where craftsmen can still be seen working on their products. In the villages and nomadic camps throughout Kutch, one can still see the rich influence of design and craft traditions – in architecture, everyday objects and dress. Kutch is a region that is isolated in location yet is also a hub for cross-cultural exchanges that gets expressed through its vibrant crafts.

Taking roots in Kutch and its history of crafts, our collection ranges from the extra weft weaving on the peddle loom, to print and resist dyed technique of Bandhani and Ajrakh printing. A focus on following traditional and sustainable craft practices has led us to build this collection that was inspired by Kutch’s diverse landscape and its deep history as a port of trade.

Some of the crafts that we have explored ––

Ajrakh Printing –– A majority of our printed textiles have also been created in Kutch. Named after the city Ajrakhpur, Ajrakh printing is a traditional hand block printing technique that uses a traditional 26-step block printing process. Practiced by the Khatri community in Kutch and some of the neighboring regions, the printing technique incorporates a combination of resist dyeing and printing which then creates beautifully patterned fabrics. The printing technique is generally laborious and involves multiple steps starting from preparation of the fabric for printing to resisting the fabric through block printing and subsequent dyeing and finishing processes. Traditionally worn by Khatri men all over Kutch as a blue bandana scarf, the craft has now grown to offer a diverse range of products.

Bandhani –– A method of resist dyeing by tying off small circles or dots using waxed thread to ensure a portion of the fabric is resisted from the subsequent dyeing. The dots or circles are planned as part of the design. The finest examples of fine tie dyed bandhani fabrics from Kutch can be credited to the Khatri community. This technique found space in a bride's trousseau as part of her dowry. Over time the technique evolved and found relevance on bandanas which were commonly exported from the region.

Handloom Weaving –– All of our fabrics are carefully handwoven on pedal looms, many of them done in the region. Kutch is also home to the Vankar community, a community known for their expertise in handloom weaving. Our fabrics incorporate the skilled weavers of Kutch and its unique indigenous cotton.

Kala Cotton –– Kutch has a very dry climate that does not support many crops. Due to its unique climate the region is known for the production of kala cotton, a short staple length indigenous variety of cotton that thrives in Kutch. This variety of cotton does not require much water to grow and has been very resilient to the harsh heat of Kutch. Fabric woven using kala cotton has a distinct touch, feel and visual texture. Kala cotton based fabric also has a cooling effect during the summer months due to its excellent wicking property and is natively known to protect the wearer against the harsh heat in the region while also keeping the wearer warm in the winter months as well. Kala is used throughout our collection.

SHOP THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION

The Kutch Collection / S/S 2023

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