our Founder
Over three decades, Darshan Shah's visionary drive has propelled Weavers Studio into a thriving textiles ecosystem. Encompassing successful retail and export businesses, a large handloom-nurturing factory and an archive housing thousands of historical heritage textiles and books. The threads of this universe extend ever onwards through constant collaborative projects fostering a sense of community with every stitch.
After multiple educational degrees and jobs, a daughter and a divorce, Darshan found herself disappointed with the direction of her life despite all her efforts.
She decided to take a bold step and travel the world.
She liquidated her jewelry, entrusted her child to her parents’ care, and embarked on a journey of self-discovery.
Shah grew up in a progressive Kutchi family in Kolkata. Her family, known for their open-mindedness and commitment to feminism, built a school and library in Nani Khakar, Gujarat. Her father worked in a jute textile mill while her mother made history by becoming the first woman from the Kutchi community to gain admission to the prestigious London School of Economics.
After multiple educational degrees and jobs, a daughter and a divorce, Darshan found herself disappointed with the direction of her life despite all her efforts.
She decided to explore the world and embarked on a journey of self-discovery.
During her visit to Japan, Darshan reconnected with indigo, evoking childhood memories of tea production on her family's estate. In Japan, she learned the art of making and using indigo dyes, gaining a deep appreciation for textiles and their processes.
With newfound hope and inspiration, she returned to India in the 1990s, eager to delve into the textile world.
With newfound hope and inspiration, she returned to India in the 1990s, eager to delve into the textile world. She started organising curated exhibitions in Kolkata, featuring diverse fabrics and handcrafted clothing. Her efforts gained traction, leading to increasing inquiries for hand block printed fabrics.
At the same time she started noticing the swift decline of handlooms and the uncertain future looming over traditional weavers and artisans.
She started curating exhibitions in Kolkata, featuring diverse fabrics and handcrafted clothing. Her efforts gained traction, leading to increasing inquiries for hand block printed fabrics.
On December 7th 1993, a 200 sq. ft. textile studio was set up in Ballygunge, Kolkata. Young women were employed and trained in the language and aesthetics of our rich textile heritage. Today the same, now a 2,000 sq. ft. retail space showcases high quality Indian handcrafted wearable textiles under the label - Weavers Studio.
The threads of this universe extend ever onwards through constant collaborative projects fostering a sense of community with every stitch.
