Tribute to the weaving art

This National Handloom Day, Ahmedabad-based designer Purvi Doshi has launched a limited-edition collection showcasing the Kotpad Weaves.

The designer known for sustainable and cruelty-free high fashion has created a collection of sarees and dupattas made with the simple but stunningly sophisticated naturally dyed Kotpad weaves.

These originate from the Koraput district of Odisha. This textile tradition lays undiscovered in the jungles and hills of Central India.

The simplicity, harmony, and elegance of the tribal way of life has been captured and crafted in these rough-spun, nature-sprung fabrics.

The Kotpad weavers from the Mirgan community make sarees for women, gamchas and tuvals for men. Typically, these minimalist sarees indicate the wearer's identity and mark the rites of passage in a woman's life.

The fabrics of Kotpad are rough to the touch and are dyed with the reddish tinge from the roots of the Indian Madder (Aal) tree. It is eco-friendly, non-toxic and hence not harmful to the skin.

In fact, it is even said that the magic weaves of Koraput actually have a healing effect! The powerful and vibrant colours range from deep maroon to dark brown depending on the proportion of dye used and the addition of sulfate of iron.

Purvi Doshi says, "Our creation is an innate tribute to this weaving art and the artisans whose unmatched dedication gives meaning to it. Looking Fabulous should also feel great."