EMBROIDERED

This handmade collection of statement pieces is made in collaboration with women artisans of the Rabari community in Kutch. The soft muted colour pallette is highlighted with details of bright traditional embroidery, applique and mirror work using handwoven Kala Cotton and natural dyes. The designs and colours symbolise auspiciousness and express their traditional, distinctive style.

 

The women gather in their homes not only to embroider, but to talk, laugh and sing. Their men, meanwhile, herd camels and sheep in the grasslands of Kutch.

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The technique reveals the close cultural ties between Gujarat, Rajasthan and Sindh where rural communities share common styles of embellishments that are full of colour, joy and energy, as stark constrast and symbol of resilience to the barren landscape where they live. Traditional dress codes, colour and type of embroidery indicate the wearer‘s community, age, religion and marital status.