Weaves from the heart of India

A kurta from Kishmish paired with a stole from WomenWeaveThis week WomenWeave WW the 200women strong NGO will bring handloom weavers from three parts of rural Madhya Pradesh to Mumbai for a unique collaborative venture At the exhibition titled twoTogether at ARTISANS in Kala Ghoda you will be able to pick singlecoloured kurtis or kurtas in handspun fabrics and match them with soft stoles in vibrant shades The exhibition will feature tribal weaves from Dindori traditional weavers from Warashivni Balaghat and the nowfamous women weavers of Gudi MudiThe traditional Garbhareshmi saree from MaheshwarWeave logicldquoWe started the organisation in 2003 Our focus is the traditional cottongrowing areas on the banks of the Narmada where we engage women to spin and weave local cotton We are working with young designers who can train local weavers We also work in the heartland of Madhya Pradesh with tribal weavers who have no roads no electricity and no running water but who sell to more than 25 countries globally through the WomenWeave networkrdquo says founder Sally Holkar adding that a percentage of sales contributes to health education and savings programmes for all weavers and staff at WWBalaghat fabric in off whiteThe highlight of the WomenWeave collection is the revival of Garbhareshmi sarees a timeless silk cotton weave unique to Maheshwar ldquoThese sarees involve a traditional preparation a technique known to a few old women in Maheshwar who refuse to teach it to anyone or reveal it to usrdquo says Holkar The Garbhareshmi sarees were worn by the women in the royal court during the time of Ahilyabai Holkar Theyrsquore a unique blend of silk and cotton ldquoThe traditional designs include ones of the rui phool as it is found in the area borders inspired by stonework found in the ghats around Maheshwar in the 17th and 18th centuryrdquo she addsA stole from DindoriExpect to find ultrafine handspun cotton shining silk matte khadi and naturally crinkled blends of wool silk and organic khadi In addition students of The Handloom School WomenWeaversquos new project have developed multitreadle fabrics in cotton silk wool and linen in colours like rustic neutrals greys soft aqua rusty pinks to pretty coralsIt takes twoRekha Bhatia founder of Kishmish is also on the board of directors for WomenWeave ldquoThis is the third exhibition that Kishmish is doing with WomenWeave The exhibitions are interactive as people mix match try combinations and create their own styles WomenWeave makes some great stoles which go well with our top and kurtasrdquo says BhatiaBhatia adds that people are moving away from natural fabrics and are completely disconnected from what is happening in the rural sector ldquoWe created Kishmish to design easy comfortable clothing and textiles with a simple stylish aesthetic The cotton silk and linen fabrics are natural handwoven and prewashed to ensure softness In a world overwhelmed by technology we hope to preserve the tradition of handmade textiles and finelytailored clothing Our products support the livelihood of rural Indian craftsmenrdquo says Bhatia adding that this collection will feature many weaves from the south