This Diwali, we want to make sure you don't end up wearing the same sari as your saasuma or matching bangles with your bhabhi. Sunday MiD DAY brings you funky handmade accessories from around the country that are as one-of-a-kind as your nani's badam halwa
This Diwali, we want to make sure you don't end up wearing the same sari as your saasuma or matching bangles with your bhabhi. Sunday MiD DAY brings you funky handmade accessories from around the country that are as one-of-a-kind as your nani's badam halwa
ADVERTISEMENT
Aari weavers from Juhapura in Ahmedabad were known to be a part of a special entourage that made clothing and fabrics for Gujarat's royalty, but nowadays, they cater to us common folks too. Mahila Vividh Laxi Odhyogik Sahakari Mandli Ltd, which employs around 100 craftsmen who work from their houses, can embellish your dupatta to dazzle like a 1,000 diyas. Make sure to tell the story behind your shimmery sari and the many hours of labour that goes into a single fabric.
Price: On request
At: www.gaatha.com
My cellphone wears bling
Shrujan is an organisation that came into being after founder Chandaben Shroff visited Kutch following a particularly severe drought in the region in 1969. She realised that the local women were talented at embroidery and decided to start a self-sufficient business model that would allow the women to earn from their art. Currently, Shrujan works with 16 different styles of embroidery, done by 3,500 women across 100 villages.
At: Shrujan Shop, Saagar Villa, opposite Navroz Apartment, 38, Bhulabahi Desai Road
Call: 23521693
Sach aur jute ka sawaal
Moradabad jewellers from UP specialise in intricate work made out of metal.u00a0 Hammered, chased, perforated, pierced and embossed metal work makes it way into chains and earrings that are traditional in design.
Price:u00a0 Rs 500 - 800
Meanwhile, jute, an indigenous product from West Bengal that was previously used as packaging material has also found a more glamorous look in beaded jewellery.
Price: Rs 150 to 250
At: www.kalamadhyam.org
What colour is your mundu?
Chennai-based artist Divya Eapen started RACHELu00a0-- the hand-painted fabric line inspired by traditional Indian motifs. Rachel works with saris, traditional Kerala set mundu, dupattas, stoles, t-shirts and home furnishings. The Krishna series starts at Rs 3,000, while Warli art on a sari will set you back by Rs 2,400. Shipping charges are extra.
At: www.facebook.com/Rachel.HandpaintedFibreArt
Call: 9840121023
God on my shoulder
Most people just want God on their side but at UDD, an artist collective design company based in Mumbai, they want to put Gods and Godesses on your clothes so you can wear your beliefs on your sleeve. Yuti Shah Edward and Atul run the design company with the help of freelance artists. The artist's original artworks are converted into happy-coloured prints and the designs go on to find a place on your pallu border.
Price: Cotton sarees Rs 7,800 to Rs 9,200; silk sarees Rs 11,000 onwards
At: Loose Ends, Shop No 1, AN House, 31st Road, next to Cambridge, Bandra (W)
Waft and warp
Designer Ritika Mittal prides herself on discovering some of the most uniquely woven saris and dupattas across India and thereby promoting weaving techniques that are on the verge of dying out.
This traditional silk Chanderi stole (in picture), woven by artisans in Madhya Pradesh, presents a patchwork of assorted cottons.
Price: Rs 4,300
At: www.mora.co.in