Celebrating handwoven artistry with 10 brands on National Handloom Day
- Fashion Featured
Zara Flavia Dmello
- 41 minutes read
In a world where fashion often races towards the latest trends, it’s refreshing to pause and appreciate the timeless craft of handwoven fabrics. This National Handloom Day, we’re celebrating the artistry and heritage of these textiles with designers who are reviving traditional techniques with a modern twist. These labels aren’t just creating beautiful clothing; but also weaving stories of craftsmanship and sustainability into every piece. From embracing nostalgia, indigenous techniques and contemporary comfort, each brand on our list proves that tradition and innovation can harmoniously coexist. Discover how these creators are keeping the art of hand weaving alive and making it more relevant than ever in today’s fashion landscape.
Wildflower
View this post on Instagram
Wildflower is a Jaipur-based clothing and lifestyle brand that celebrates the simple joys of life through its designs. Rooted in comfort, the brand draws inspiration from nostalgia and indigenous heritage crafts. Specialising in handcrafted, handwoven fabrics, Wildflower’s collections feature dresses and separates thoughtfully designed for everyday living. Each piece is made to order in small batch runs, ensuring exclusivity and a focus on quality. The brand is deeply committed to sustainability, using only natural and organic fabrics like pure cottons and Kala Cotton, a water-efficient, low-carbon alternative. Hand block printing, an art form practiced in Rajasthan for centuries, adds a unique touch to their garments, with each print crafted by second-generation artisans. Wildflower’s philosophy extends to fair wages, upcycling, and a zero-waste approach, making it a conscientious choice for those seeking sustainable and stylish clothing.
Shop here.
Lagom
View this post on Instagram
Lagom offers a comfort-focused collection designed to seamlessly transition from morning to night. The brand places materials at the heart of its design ethos, producing each collection in small batches to maintain exclusivity and quality. Lagom explores the intersection of digital and tactile design, creating meaningful products that transcend conventional industry boundaries. The brand’s commitment to transparency and sustainability is evident in its use of high-quality fabrics and a meticulous design process that prioritises comfort and form. Lagom’s approach encourages consumers to embrace a journey of discovery and be a part of their evolving narrative.
Shop here.
Label Rama
View this post on Instagram
At Label Rama, the appreciation for handwoven fabrics goes beyond mere admiration; it embodies a deep commitment to sustainable fashion. While Indian handlooms are at the heart of their collections, the brand’s dedication extends to preserving ancient weaving techniques and environmental integrity. Label Rama’s ethos is rooted in reviving traditional craftsmanship, ensuring that fabrics are free from harmful chemicals and pollutants. Embracing the purity of handwoven textiles, the brand transforms these timeless techniques into modern luxury, honouring both the artistry and ecological wisdom of the past. Every piece reflects a promise to uphold the spirit of sustainable fashion, with materials like naturally dyed yarn and eco-friendly buttons, and a nod to nature’s beauty in their aesthetic.
Shop here.
Tree
View this post on Instagram
Tree combines traditional Indian crafts with contemporary silhouettes, offering clothing that is both easy to wear and deeply rooted in cultural heritage. The brand’s collections are inspired by the stories behind various Indian textiles, such as Tangaliya and Chikankari. Each piece is carefully curated and handmade, featuring comfort fits and modern styles that remain timeless. Tree’s dedication to showcasing the beauty of handwoven fabrics and the narratives of the weaving communities makes it a unique and meaningful addition to any wardrobe.
Shop here.
The Woven Lab
View this post on Instagram
The Woven Lab, the brainchild of Nikita Kaushik, rebranded from her previous label Casa9, champions the beauty of hand weaving with a strong commitment to sustainability. Nikita, an NIFT Mumbai alumna, emphasizes promoting lesser-known Indian textile crafts and supporting rural artisans. The brand practices a zero-waste policy, ensuring every product is handcrafted with care and dedication. Women empowerment is a core pillar, with efforts focused on skill development and education for rural girls. The Woven Lab celebrates India’s diverse cultures and traditions through its artisanal techniques, offering products that are crafted with love and joy. Transparency, impeccable quality, and skilled craftsmanship are central to their mission, with a commitment to bridging digital learning with field experience in textile education.
Shop here.
Dressfolk
View this post on Instagram
Dressfolk reimagines Indian crafts for the contemporary era, blending rooted elements with modern lifestyles. The brand is committed to reviving traditional crafts and creating unique garments that stand out in a sea of sameness. Dressfolk works closely with artisans and weavers, ensuring ethically collaborative relationships that respect and uplift local communities. The brand’s focus on sustainability and human-centric design is reflected in its selection of natural textiles and handcrafted techniques. Dressfolk’s collections offer a fresh perspective on fashion, honouring India’s rich heritage while catering to the demands of modern consumers.
Shop here.
Paher
View this post on Instagram
Paher, named after the Sanskrit word for a three-hour period, embodies timeless elegance and effortless transitions from morning to night. This ethos of seamless flow is reflected in their dedication to handwoven textiles. Embracing the ‘Wabi Sabi’ philosophy, Paher celebrates the beauty of handmade imperfections and the unique character of each fabric. Working with artisans across India, Paher crafts limited, seasonless styles produced in small batches and made to order. Their garments feature intricate handwoven details and refined techniques such as French Seaming and Flat Seaming, highlighting the inner beauty of each piece. Committed to cultural sustainability and the upliftment of artisan communities, Paher creates fashion that resonates with modern, eco-conscious consumers, honouring both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary style.
Shop here.
Ithika Studio
View this post on Instagram
Ithika Studio is a Calcutta-based sustainable brand dedicated to creating comfortable, high-quality clothing that is good for both people and the planet. The brand’s philosophy centres around minimalism and relaxed silhouettes, with a strong emphasis on ethical manufacturing and the use of natural and organic fabrics. Ithika Studio sources its materials from Indian weavers and employs small-scale artisans, ensuring fair wages and respectful working conditions. The brand’s commitment to transparency and traceability allows consumers to connect with the stories behind each garment, making it a thoughtful choice for those who value conscious fashion.
Shop here.
Manan
View this post on Instagram
Founded in 1992 by Madhavi Ganeriwalla, Manan is a pioneer in creating timeless, functional clothing using unique handwoven fabrics. The brand’s aesthetic is clean and fuss-free, featuring natural hues and balanced silhouettes. Manan collaborates with craft clusters across India to produce bespoke textiles, resulting in pieces that can be cherished for years. The brand offers a diverse range of products, including womenswear, menswear, dupattas, and jewellery, all crafted with an ethos of slow, contemplative design. Manan’s commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in its use of eco-friendly materials and its support of local artisans, making it a reliable choice for elegant, enduring fashion.
Shop here.
Sepia Stories
View this post on Instagram
Based in Goa, Sepia Stories is a brand dedicated to promoting slow, sustainable, and conscious living through its handcrafted, artisanal products. The brand’s collection includes organic clothing, accessories, home goods, and personal care items, all made with a focus on eco-friendly practices. Sepia Stories collaborates with designers and artisans to create pieces that embody a mindful, Indian aesthetic. The brand’s commitment to zero waste fashion is evident in its use of natural dyes and sustainable materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Sepia Stories stands out as a beacon of ethical fashion, supporting local artisans and preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Shop here.
