Rajasthan’s Aangi Finds New Life in Aangiwali’s Fusion of Tradition and Style

Rajasthan’s Aangi Finds New Life in Aangiwali’s Fusion of Tradition and Style

Aangi is a garment woven with history. In the arid landscape of Shekhawati, Rajasthan, it tells the story of women whose hands, generation after generation, have crafted it with great finesse and artistry. The Aangi, a tight blouse paired with the flowing Ghagri skirt, is …

The survival of India’s handlooms

The survival of India’s handlooms

Designer Vaishali Shadangule’s eponymous label Vaishali S. celebrates her passion for classic Indian weaves, ever since the label’s inception in 1991. The designer became the first Indian woman to showcase at the Paris Couture Week recently. Her latest bridal collection, ‘Shakuntala’ continues her exploration of …

How to support India’s handloom industry, one stitch at a time

How to support India’s handloom industry, one stitch at a time

There are many ways you can support India’s gorgeous handloom industry. I’m sharing what I’ve done over the years, so that it can help you also fall in love with Indian textiles like i have. Explore what’s in your home Open your sister or grand …

Crafts, Culture, Camels and the Charkha

Crafts, Culture, Camels and the Charkha

Surrounded by the Thar Desert is Bikaner, the desert city of Rajasthan. From here comes Ashok Bishnoi, who in 2004 founded the NGO Hastshilp. Working with folk crafts, he founded The Charkha (formerly knowns as Lokashram) representing the crafts of the region and khadi products. …

Down to the grassroots

Down to the grassroots

In our fifth column in the series of reimagining a conscious future, Yash Dongre – Business Head – House of Anita Dongre Limited  speaks to BeejLiving about balancing social impact with commerce. The fashion house is nearing the magical figure of a nearly 1,000 stores across the globe under …

Ayurvastra: fashion values for the future

Ayurvastra: fashion values for the future

Kerala had ‘Ayurvastra’ researchers practicing centuries old traditional fabric treatment methods. Ayurvedic doctors and researchers prepare dyes, macerations and treatments that infuse the textiles with medicinal characteristics. These include chitrathai (ginger plant), tulsi (wild basil), Madagascar Periwinkle (vinca rosea), the tails of the bell plant and sandalwood, amongst others. The list is a highly curated selection of natural oils and plants that are integral to the science of Ayurvastra.