He found his calling in the gamchha right when the humble piece of cloth was climbing the fashion charts in Bengal. Young designer Wrick (inset) launched his label Thread Baba through just a Facebook page in 2014. His vibrant line of saris and outfits, all fashioned out of the gamchha, soon became popular in exhibitions across the city. On Sunday, June 24, Wrick will open his flagship store in Rajarhat, which will stock clothes, accessories, bags and home decor items made with, what else, but the gamchha.

“I had a Facebook page but I wanted a direct connect with the customers and that’s how the idea of opening a store came about. I am now transforming what used to be my workshop into a store. Thread Baba’r Akhra will have handicrafts from all over India that are slowly dying down. Apart from clothes, accessories, home decor items, shoes and bags, there will also be a section  for food and beverage with a Bangaliana theme,” said the 25-year-old designer.

He sources the gamchhas from weavers from across India and is currently working with 50 weavers. He incorporates jute, khadi, kantha and tie-and-dye along with gamchha to make the clothes more interesting. “I also want to work with the under-privileged tribal women and jail inmates,” said Wrick.

What: Thread Baba’r Akhra

Where: J13/1301 Sukhobristi Shapoorji, Rajarhat New Town

When: Opening on June 24

Pocket Pinch: Rs 200 to Rs 7,000

EASY BREEZY:

This pale green dress is made with a different weave of gamchha that has recently been developed by Wrick. The vibrant colour, the thin stripes and the silhouette make it a good option to beat the heat in style. “One should be able to wear this during the day or even for a night out,” said Wrick. The dress has been paired with a multi-layered gamchha neckpiece and denim booties.

Style tip: Wear this dress with a pair of white sneakers, big sunnies and make a fishtail braid for a Sunday brunch with your girlfriends.

TRADITION TALES: This red-and-white sari is a blend of two design traditions — Assamese gamosa and the Santhali gamchha. While the body of the sari is ethnic Assamese, the pallu and pleats have the Santhali designs. “I want to use gamchha the way it is and just enhance its beauty through my designs,” said Wrick.

It has been accessorised with a neckpiece made of Bengal gamchha and ghungroo, matching earrings and tribal bangles.

Style tip: Opt for this look if you’re headed to a puja or a morning wedding. 

FUCHSIA FUN: Fashioned from a type of Santhali gamchha used during festivals and celebrations, this dress looks bright and smart. It has been paired with a Rajasthani antique pendant with gamchha beads and gamchha tassels for the hair.

Style tip: Wear this on a day around town or a shopping trip with the friends.

Text: Nandini Ganguly

Pictures: Pabitra Das

Make-up & hair: Sudip Bhattacharya