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Being a part of a nation with rich culture and heritage has deeply shaped the art of craftsmanship. From embroidery and weaving to intricate designs, traditional crafts have evolved, with much obligation to women, whose commitment to the artistry has promoted solidarity and saved traditions from obscurity. With their unwavering skill and passion, the art of craftsmanship is defined by its fine details—each piece weaving together stories of knowledge and heritage.
This International Women’s Day, as an ode to these cultural roots, discover how these brands and the women behind them, are embracing heritage and craftsmanship, celebrating the artistry passed down through generations.
From the delicate tilla embroidery of Kashmir to the intricate weaving by artisans in Assam, The Whole Nine Yards (TWNY) not only preserves age-old techniques but propels them into the modern era through carefully considered, minimalist designs. Rooted in slow fashion and sustainability, these garments transcend fleeting trends, becoming timeless pieces that can be passed down through generations. Neha Chawla, the driving force behind The Whole Nine Yards, has seamlessly blended her love for design with a commitment to authenticity.
What once thought was lost to history, House of Tuhil is reviving the art of handwoven textiles, crafting sarees that whispers tales from an era when textiles spoke volumes about identity and heritage. Varsha Kumar, the founder of Tuhil, shares her passion for preserving the rich textile heritage of South India by curating a collection that ranges from Kanchipuram silks to Negamam cottons. With meticulous attention to regional specificity, each saree narrates a story that draws inspiration from temple architecture, folklore, and iconography. Tuhil designs blend heritage with contemporary aesthetics, and goes beyond sarees by extending encompass apparel, home décor, and other textiles, all imbued with this unique blend of past and present.
Creating pieces that tell stories, House of Urmi is an ode to Kerala's rich history and its hidden art forms. Channelling her passion for art and fashion, every design is personally created by the founder, Anjali Asok, transforming it into digitally printed designs onto sustainable fabrics. With her deep sense of love towards her heritage, she pours her soul into every piece—combining art, history and sustainability. House of Urmi is now expanded to Dubai, venturing into home décor, jewellery and other artistic expressions. With its strong foundation in culture, sustainability, and craftsmanship, the brand is redefining contemporary fashion while staying rooted in tradition.
Honouring workmanship and modern precision, ekamāthra, founded by Meghana Pradhan, commemorates the capacity of human spirit with self-expression. With its emblem signifying a panther adorned with a bull’s horn, it represents the balance of light and darkness. Its classic and timeless silhouettes encourage their discerning customers to select pieces that resonate with their unique sense of self, as it ranges both modest and daring aesthetics, ensuring a balanced variety that respects personal choice.
Fascinated with the art of embroidery, craftsmanship was something that always inspired the founder, Jovita Hazarika, to make something of her own. Inspired by this, she came up with saininsain, meaning “sane-insane”, where she is unbound by trends and lets her creativity flow. Embroidered handbags brought together her deep love and appreciation for design and craftsmanship, where each piece carries an element of handwork. With thoughtful blend of traditional designs with modern style, she adds a personal touch to each of her pieces, bringing you suave designs in blend with functionality.
Founded by Vibha & Kruttika Nadkarni, Silkenthread is an online-only store for authentically made womenswear. With a background in E-commerce, Kruttika envisioned a brand that delivers high-quality heirlooms and handmade textile products at the click of a button. Their Indian aesthetic and massive selection, sourced from more than 500 weavers and communities from across India, makes it a great choice for daily and occasion wear.
With an unwavering commitment to celebrating childhood and a deep reverence for craftsmanship, Panchhi was founded to last. They craft playful designs that balance whimsy with elegance, where every design reflects the stories that Kanupriya Tibrewala, the founder, grew up with. She was deeply inspired from Indian tales, be it Radhe-Krishna motifs or Haathi-Ghoda grandeur of her Rajasthani roots, each piece is an inspiration from Indian traditions. Made to be cherished and remembered, each collection tells a story—whether it’s a whimsical fairytale world, an ode to nature, or a modern reimagination of Indian heritage. They work closely with skilled artisans, upholding its ethos of slow fashion and sustainable luxury.
