Our Craft

From authentic
Indian craftmen and craftwomen

Fashion is the second most polluting industry in the world. Over 65% of child labour across the globe is directly or indirectly employed by the fashion industry and India too contributes.

West Bengal

Jamdani Weaving

Jamdani, derived from the Persian word “jam” (meaning floral) and 'Dani' referring to a vase or a container, is named after decorative floral patterns found in Dhakai Muslin. In the Mughal period (1526–1707), the finest Jamdani was produced in Dacca, a Bengal state (now Dhaka, Bangladesh). 

The everyday life and dreams of traditional Jamdani weavers revolve around their craft. Made by passion, hooks, and very specific threads, motifs are painstakingly woven on the loom. A very particular number of threads used to perfectly bring a thought, a design to life.

Every Dressfolk amdani saree is handwoven by our master weaver, Raghbendra, and his team of 50+ weavers based out of West Bengal, India. Each piece is our humble ode to carrying forward the legacy.

Rajasthan

Dabu Block Printing

Dabu printing, an ancient form of block printing, is very specific to some parts of Rajasthan. 

Bagru, still considered a village, and in home workshops scattered scantily throughout, are chippas, a very special community of printers who continue to stamp lengths of cotton fabric with natural/vegetable dyes using hand-carved wood blocks and natural dyes. They were taught this trade by their parents, who were, in turn, taught by theirs — going back at least 300 years. 

This made all the difference, not just to the environment but also to us. 

All of Dressfolk’s printed pieces are painstakingly crafted by master printers Nisha and Khushi, from this very community. Other than intricacy, and attention to detail, their focus is to add a personal touch of their artistry to make you feel a little extra special.

Madhya Pradesh

Maheshwari Weaving

Though the practice of weaving in the city of Maheshwar dates back to the 5th century, it was in the sovereignty of Maratha ruler Rani Ahilyabai Holkar that it was popularized. She called upon master weavers from Surat, and South India to fashion conventional Nauvari or Maharashtrian-style nine-yard sarees, and turbans, giving them as presents to visiting royalty.

The delicately crafted and simple Maheshwari sarees use silk and/or cotton yarns.
The individuality of Maheshwari sarees lie in the weave -  small checks, stripes, and even plain. Some, where the classically striped pallu or border patterns are filled with inspired/reimagined motifs, from the architectural flourishes of the town, itself.

Every Maheshwari saree is handwoven by our master weavers, some in the cultural heart of Maheshwar and others in Chanderi. Each piece is our humble ode to carrying forward the legacy of handcrafted products, individualistic and humane.

Rajasthan

Sanganeri Block Printing

An ancient form of block printing, very specific to the princely state of Rajasthan. Sanganer, in a little town close to Jaipur, a community of printers’ thrives. Distinctive and detailed, they are known for the intricacy of their skill. Primarily done on off-white or a pure white background with the use of wooden blocks, you’ll find many vibrant florals and geometric patterns inspired by their innate sensibility, from art and architecture.

All of Dressfolk’s printed pieces are painstakingly crafted by a master printer Sanjay Chippa .

Other than all the details, his focus is to add a personal touch of the artistry, to make you feel a little extra special.

“What I do runs the house and makes us very happy. It puts food on our plates and a smile to my face everyday because I work hard and love what I do. Everyone is in a hurry and participating in a race. I want people to slow down and actually live each day to the fullest. Don’t know what this is that exactly everyone is hurriedly moving towards”

Madhya Pradesh

Chanderi Weaving

Chanderi is one of the most famous handwoven fabrics of India. Some Chanderi sarees use silk yarn in its warp (tana) and cotton threads in the weft (bana) to weave utility and ease into the traditional visual masterpiece. 

Our Chanderi creations are handwoven by Keshav, a third generation Chanderi weaver based out of the Maheshwar villages of Madhya Pradesh in India. Crafted with the same love as Maheshwari, every Chanderi piece is a little cultural gem - one of intricacy and luxe details.