threads, ties & transformation

Her long standing relationship with the Japanese textile industry inspired Darshan to introduce shibori into Weavers Studio’s repertoire. She subverted Rajasthan’s quintessential leheriya design, creating its familiar zig-zag pattern purely through shibori, showcasing a contrast of origins but a congruity of tie-dye. Similarly, she traded in the time-intensive shibori process but reiterated its effect by weaving a scarf on a jacquard loom, the unfinished yarns were then pulled to create a crinkled look and dyed with natural indigo. The end result – a preciously textured textile that undulates to reveal a dune-like veneer.

“Kantha has been integral to the folk-art culture of Bengal. ‘Naksha’ which means drawing in Persian is synonymous with the Nakshi kantha technique, women used to upcycle old sari borders and dhotis by embroidering motifs inspired by their social surroundings, their form of artistic expression, where no two pieces were alike.”

“We don’t view fabric as material, but as a catalyst. A forward-thinking approach has allowed us to bring out the basic essence of the technique and transform it with a boundary-pushing vision. These textiles have a synergy and energy that brought out the best in my team and I.”