Embroidery

The skill of Indian embroiderers in transforming the look and feel of any fabric is perhaps unparalleled in the entire world. Traditional embellishment of textiles has evolved in different regions throughout the subcontinent, leading to a vast array of techniques and motifs. Embroideries practised in India have used a dazzling variety of materials, including different fabrics, coloured cotton and silk threads, metallic threads, mirrors, beads, and shells to name a few. Every form of embroidery creates its own unique texture and visual impact. Zardozi, for example, is a technique that uses metallic threads of silver and/or gold to create dense and rich designs that shimmer against the light.

Contemporary designers are re-inventing the application of traditional textile practices by experimenting with unconventional materials and designs. Design houses such as White Champa are committed to drawing on the hereditary skills of Indian craftspeople, but at the same time the brand takes pride in meeting the needs of a contemporary market by creating bespoke, handcrafted garments. The images presented here show us the incredible abilities of textile artists to transform plain cloth into works of art.

Photos by Shovan Gandhi