India's Rich Handloom Heritage & Today’s Brands Keeping the Legacy Alive

India's handloom industry represents a tapestry of traditions woven through centuries. Each region boasts its own distinct style and technique, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the country. In the modern era, a wave of contemporary designers is working to keep this heritage vibrant and relevant, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. So on National Handloom Day, Local Samosa delves into India's illustrious handloom heritage, explores various regional handlooms, and highlights the innovative collaborations between traditional weavers and contemporary designers.

Reviving Tradition Through Modern Collaborations

These brands play a crucial role in ensuring that India’s rich handloom heritage continues to thrive in the contemporary fashion landscape. Through innovative designs and collaborations, they bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern aesthetics, making these timeless textiles relevant to today’s consumers.

1. Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Sabyasachi Mukherjee, a prominent Indian designer, has been instrumental in modernising traditional handlooms. His collections frequently feature Banarasi silk and intricate embroidery, blending age-old techniques with contemporary fashion. His collaboration with weavers has revitalised a general interest in these traditional fabrics, making them accessible to a global audience.

2. Anita Dongre

Anita Dongre has made significant strides in incorporating handloom fabrics into her collections. By working directly with artisans and promoting sustainable practices, Dongre has showcased fabrics like the Pochampally Ikat in a modern context, emphasising their relevance in today’s fashion landscape.

3. Raw Mango

Raw Mango, founded by Sanjay Garg, focuses on preserving and reviving traditional weaving techniques. Garg's collections often feature handwoven fabrics such as Kanjivaram and Banarasi silks, presented with a contemporary twist. This approach not only honours the traditional craft but also appeals to modern sensibilities.

4. Fabindia

Fabindia has been at the forefront of integrating traditional handloom textiles with contemporary design. The brand's commitment to fair trade practices and direct partnerships with artisans has played a crucial role in sustaining and promoting Indian handlooms like Chanderi and Kalamkari.

5. Suta

Suta is a label founded by Sujata and Taniya, focusing on handwoven textiles such as Jamdani and Batik sarees. The brand is known for its commitment to sustainable fashion and supporting traditional weavers. Suta’s emphasis on eco-friendly practices and traditional craftsmanship contributes to the preservation and promotion of Indian handlooms.

6. Kalki Fashion

Kalki Fashion is known for its elegant and luxurious ethnic wear, incorporating handloom fabrics such as Chanderi and Pochampally Ikat. Their designs often feature intricate embroidery and modern silhouettes. By integrating traditional handloom textiles into high-end fashion, Kalki Fashion helps keep these crafts alive and relevant in contemporary fashion.

7. Ritu Kumar

Veteran designer Ritu Kumar is renowned for her use of traditional Indian textiles. Her collections often feature handloom fabrics like Jamdani and Chanderi, presented with a modern twist. Kumar’s extensive work in incorporating traditional textiles into contemporary fashion has played a significant role in reviving and sustaining Indian handloom heritage.

8. The Indian Ethnic Co

The Indian Ethnic Co is a brand that celebrates traditional Indian textiles by offering a range of handloom products. Their designs focus on blending classic handlooms with modern fashion sensibilities. By showcasing a variety of traditional weaves in contemporary designs, The Indian Ethnic Co plays a significant role in preserving and popularising handloom heritage in the modern fashion industry.

9. Chidiyaa

Chidiyaa, founded by Mansi and Amritraj, focuses on handwoven textiles from various regions of India. Their collection features Chanderi, often presented in minimalist and modern styles. Chidiyaa’s emphasis on sustainable fashion and traditional weaves helps bridge the gap between artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary trends, supporting weavers and promoting handloom textiles.

10. Okhai

Okhai is a social enterprise that works with artisans in rural India, producing handwoven textiles and handcrafted garments. Their range includes Chanderi sarees and embroidered outfits, crafted by local artisans. Okhai’s model of supporting rural artisans through fair trade practices helps sustain traditional weaving techniques while providing economic opportunities for communities.

11. Ekaya

Ekaya specialises in Banarasi silk textiles, renowned for their opulence and intricate zari work. Their collection features Banarasi sarees, lehengas, and dupattas, showcasing the rich heritage of Banarasi weaving, which includes techniques such as kadhua and kadiyal weaving.

12. Hathkargha

Hathkargha focuses on a variety of traditional handwoven textiles including Banarasi silk, Chanderi, and Madhubani prints. They emphasise creating handcrafted sarees, dupattas, and accessories using these traditional techniques to preserve their cultural significance.

13. Injiri

Injiri is known for incorporating ikat and block printing techniques into their modern designs. They use handwoven fabrics like ikat and traditional block-printed textiles to create contemporary garments that blend age-old techniques with modern aesthetics.

14. iTokri

iTokri offers a wide range of handwoven textiles, including Kantha embroidery, Bengal cotton, and Maheshwari fabrics. Their collection showcases diverse handloom techniques from across India, supporting artisans who produce these traditional fabrics.

15. Karagiri

Karagiri’s offerings include Kanjivaram silk, Banarasi silk, and Chanderi sarees. They highlight traditional weaving techniques such as Kanjivaram weaving, which is famous for its vibrant colours and intricate patterns, and Banarasi weaving, known for its rich zari work.

16. The Loom Art

The Loom Art features a variety of handwoven textiles, including Khadi, Kota Doria, and Tant sarees. They blend these traditional fabrics with contemporary designs to create unique, handcrafted pieces that celebrate Indian weaving traditions.

17. Baro Market

Baro Market offers a curated selection of handwoven textiles from various brands, such as Madhubani prints, Bhagalpuri silk, and Pochampally ikat. They showcase these traditional fabrics and support artisans by preserving and promoting their craftsmanship.

18. Bhomra

Bhomra specialises in Tant, Jamdanis, and Madhubani prints. Their collection blends traditional weaving techniques with modern designs, focusing on textiles that celebrate Indian craftsmanship.

19. Rouka

Rouka incorporates Kanjivaram silk, Tussar silk, and Ikat fabrics into their designs. They create handcrafted sarees and accessories that highlight the rich heritage and artistry of these traditional textiles.

20. The 145 East

The 145 East features handwoven textiles such as Khadi, Gadwal sarees, and Shibori prints. They offer a mix of traditional and contemporary designs, showcasing the versatility and beauty of Indian handloom fabrics.

21. Anavila

Anavila focuses on handwoven linen sarees and Khadi textiles. Their designs combine traditional weaving techniques with modern, minimalist aesthetics, making handloom textiles accessible and stylish for contemporary wardrobes.

22. Aapro

Aapro is known for its use of Sanganeri block prints and traditional Rajasthani textiles. They incorporate these techniques into modern designs, promoting traditional craftsmanship through contemporary fashion.

23. Very Much Indian

Very Much Indian specialises in Paithani handlooms, offering beautifully crafted sarees known for their vibrant colours and intricate zari work. The brand gained prominence through Shark Tank India, which spotlighted their mission to blend traditional Paithani artistry with contemporary fashion, while supporting artisans and promoting sustainable practices.

24. Rihaa

Rihaa specialises in traditional Tant sarees and also offers handwoven home décor items like cushion covers and table runners. Based in Kolkata, the brand blends classic Bengal craftsmanship with modern designs, supporting local artisans and promoting sustainability.