INDIAN TEXTILES BOOKS

This article is for handloom users keen to understand more about the process and those interested in exploring handlooms for the first time. We would like to acquaint you with the different stages in the process, where individual fibres come together to become beautiful fabrics and how you can distinguish pure handloom from imitations. Knowing handlooms also allows you to understand the challenges industry is facing in current times.

"Three conventionalised modes of clothing - one, for the divine female representing fertility, abundance and beauty; two, for an ecclesiastical being; and three, for an entertainer....defined his distinction, rank and role in society. Manu prescribes Brahmins\' sacred thread to be made from cotton yarn. No two figures in Ajanta murals wear a similar costume. Ajanta damsels knew multifarious styles of putting on a sari. Ordinarily, a sari was tied on pelvis wrapping both legs....It was worn on body\'s middle part, that is, from breasts to knees....Designer Blouse from Ajanta which can be the Envy of any Modern Woman."

Cotton and India are virtually synonymous in the lanes of world history. From the earliest periods of the Vedas, cotton or Kapas has been an integral part of the culture of India. The remnants of the Harappa civilization suggest a popular use of the fabric centuries before in the attires of people, a trend that continues to date. To the traders and buyers of Greece, Rome, and modern Britain, France, and Italy- home to premium fashion, the finest Indian cotton was “woven air”- soft, luxurious, and comfortable beyond words. And this love for cotton has only grown with time.

Available in a mind-boggling variety of everyday and formal wear in the contemporary world, the best and most popular cotton clothing is the cotton saree, a simple, wearable piece of history that has lived through eras and continues to be the symbol of Indian culture and feminine fashion in the world. All over the country, weavers and craftsmen have developed their unique technique of weaving cotton into a graceful drape, giving rise to a marvelous variety of cotton sarees to choose from.

Art silk sarees are renowned for their fashionable luxurious look resembling pure silk sarees. However, artisans give it a slight turn and use artificial fibers instead such as rayon and polyester to craft exquisite Art silk sarees, also known as Artificial silk sarees. Coming in a plethora of designs and vivid colors, these sarees have made their way to the hearts of Indian women of all ages, providing them with sheer elegance and femininity. The silk fabric, of course, offers the saree an unmatched appeal. Art silk features an excellent sheen which matches that of natural silk and is affordable as well. But as mesmerizing as they might appear, the work and dedication the artisans put into making them is much more than anyone might think. There goes meticulous attention to traditional textiles to bring the essence of the rich artistic and cultural heritage of India into the art saree.

Chiffon has been a favorite in the textile industry for a long time now because of its high demand among people. From dresses to tunics, chiffon is used to make a lot of garments including sarees. Their sheer and transparent fabric makes Chiffon sarees a favorite among saree lovers. People usually believe that chiffon sarees come only in prints. However, they also come with exquisite embroidery, sequin work, and gota patti work which make a chiffon saree party wear perfect. People can style these sarees according to their personal preferences and mood.