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We are Going Vocal for Handlooms

Written by AMULYA MISRA for THE DESIGN COLLECTIVE

Handloom is a word that is tied to the very fabric of almost all South Asian cultures. From Sri Lanka to India, Bangladesh to Pakistan, handlooms have always played a major role in dictating their fashion and textile industry.

Sri Lanka has a rich history of traditional handloom textiles. Over the past few years, the industry has seen declines due to popularisation of synthetics, lack of fair trade practices, changing trends and invention of new technology. However, the handcraft textile industry is rising up again.

With a newfound appreciation for sustainable fabrics and the #VocalForLocal movement rising up due to the coronavirus, it came as no surprise when people turned to local designers who used handlooms to create products that also made a difference. At The Design Collective, we too compiled a list of some of our favourite labels who are reviving the handloom industry.

STHRI by Selyn

A brand so deeply entrenched in the handloom industry of Sri Lanka that it becomes almost synonymous with the word itself is Selyn. It was founded back in 1991 by Sandra Wanduragala in the garage of her home along with 15 women from a nearby village. Now, 29 years later, the company employs around 1000 artisans. It ranks amongst the top handicraft brands in the country and has kept the art of handloom alive. 

With a mission to maintain sustainability across their entire supply chain, Selyn pays its artisans fairly and empowers them as well. Their collection, STHRI, has been inspired by the local weaving art of “pethanpili” better known as ikat and using tie dye techniques. Handwoven on traditional handlooms, each of these garment is a work of art in itself.

Ayathi

A Sri Lankan brand, Ayathi is well known for their beautiful sarees. Although their collection includes gorgeous silks, chiffons, crepes, cotton and georgettes, the fact that they are all  handloom sarees make them a favourite local must-have. With bright colours to muted hues, there is something for every type of woman in their collection.

Nithya

Nithya Yamini Lamahewa’s eponymous label Nithya is grounded in simplicity portrayed through the use of traditional artisanal crafts. A local Sri Lankan label, the brand was launched in 2012 and utilizes the dying handloom craft including batik prints to create a modern design. 

Constantly pushing the boundaries of classic modernity, Nithya creates unconventional designs such as handloom denim saris. With her creative eye and an appreciation for handlooms, the young designer helps promote the ancient crafts and skills of many rural communities. 

Lovi

Available in-store at The Design Collective

Lovi is a luxury active-wear brand that brings Sri Lankan made sarongs to the world. Active since 2015, although the collections are designed in San Francisco, they are crafted by local collaborators on this paradise island. 

The luxury sarongs are with handloom fabrics and strike the perfect balance between bold and elegant. Using lightweight fabrics and timeless designs, the brand has opened up a whole new world of activewear. 

ITR by Khyati Pande

Khyati Pande’s love for Indian textile is what led to the creation of her brand ‘itr’. The brand began in a tiny room on a roof with a simple aim to design garments that stood true to the aesthetics of traditional handicraft mixed with contemporary minimalist designs. 

Since its launch, the brand has been blending traditional textiles with modern sensibilities, all the while keeping sustainability as a principle focus. Using handloom fabrics, it has successfully crafted designs that continue to stand the test of time. 

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