Fabindia’s Kala, Kapda, Karigar collections are an initiative to celebrate everything Indian, connect with the artisans who have the keys to Indian tradition and heritage, and tap into their skills for a contemporary take. We chatted with Dipali Patwa, group head of brand and community, Fabindia, on what to expect.
‘Kala, Kapda, Karigar’ sounds interesting. What’s the vision for this initiative?
Kala: The art of the craft; kapda: the fabrics of our lives; karigar: the community of our artisans. For 61 years and counting, the vision of Fabindia remains at the core of all that we do. Reimagining the traditional craft with a twist of contemporary and consumer-relevant designs has been Fabindia’s contribution to the handmade industry for decades. Our community and growing younger consumers are becoming aware of the kala, of our handmade techniques and crafts, kapda, the beauty of our fabrics, prints, textures, styles and karigar, the hearts and souls of our artisans who we deeply admire and the need to revive, sustain and nurture it all.
What can we expect from the upcoming collections?
Fabindia’s USP has always been ‘made in India’ crafts and techniques. This collection is no different in ways that it celebrates Indian crafts like indigo dyeing to hand-block printing, the timeless stitch craft of chikankari embroidery to rich woven textures and jacquard weaves, embroidery and beaded accents and accessories juxtaposed against gorgeous Indian kurtas as well as everyday western silhouettes. Not to forget some gorgeous saris that can be styled in a modern way for everyday use. India is home to several artisans and craftsmen who have mastered skills that have been passed down from generations and we are lucky to be playing a part in supporting this incredibly beautiful and rich traditions of these crafts that are made in India.
What are the various crafts that have been explored?
As believers in slow fashion, our endeavour has been to create timeless pieces that aim to become an integral part of your daily wardrobe. Pieces that can stand on their own or can be layered with previous season’s styles to mix and match…. Kadhai Chikankari Collection, Chaap Handblock Collection, gorgeous whites, oranges, greens to remind us of our freedom, Aaya Vasant Collection with gorgeous hues of spring, Colors of Life Holi Collection, celebrating colour in everyday life and The Art of Adornment — Jewellery Collection.
What has the experience been like?
As the demand for sustainable, contemporary Indian fashion increases across apparel and home lifestyle products, Fabindia’s latest collection, Kala, Kapda, Karigar, celebrates traditional crafts and its artisans along with our design teams who connect the dots to our consumers.
Our movement towards thoughtful design, creation and consumption prioritises product quality and longevity, considers minimising waste of all kinds and maximising social impact. Artisan-made clothing and textiles remind us to value our clothing, learn from the past, and genuinely connect to our culture. In a world that is quite literally falling apart, it’s comforting to look to traditions which are centuries in the making. When the world feels uncertain, it helps to remember that which has stood the test of time. Artisan textile techniques are often passed down through generations, connecting communities and families throughout history. There is an underlying universal message in this edit that is sure to strike a chord with anybody who feels as strongly as we do about respecting our community, crafts and our planet.
Artisan-made clothing and textiles remind us to value our clothing, learn from the past, and genuinely connect to our culture. In a world that is quite literally falling apart, it’s comforting to look to traditions which are centuries in the making. When the world feels uncertain, it helps to remember that which has stood the test of time — Dipali Patwa, group head of brand and community, Fabindia
What is the one thing that the karigars have told you that will forever stay with you?
‘This kala is my livelihood’. This simple yet powerful statement will always remain with me forever.
