‘What we have is unique’: the Indian craftsmanship behind global luxury fashion
Summary
Indian artisans have long supplied luxury fashion brands with traditional embroidery and craft techniques, but their work is now gaining public recognition. The Mumbai-based company Chanakya International, led by Karishma Swali, celebrates 40 years of preserving and innovating Indian textile arts, collaborating with top fashion houses like Dior.Key Facts
- Indian craftsmanship techniques like zardozi embroidery and mirror-work have been used by major luxury brands such as Dior, Prada, and Fendi.
- Chanakya International, a company from Mumbai, has 1,400 artisans, some coming from families with 13 generations of craft history.
- Chanakya recently celebrated 40 years with exhibitions showing its growth from embroidery production to a cultural institution.
- Dior hosted a fashion show in Mumbai featuring Indian-inspired clothing and a collaboration with Chanakya.
- The Kalhath Institute in Lucknow supports craft preservation and connects international artists with local artisans.
- The Gem Palace, a Jaipur-based jeweler founded in 1852, collaborates with Dior, creating jewellery using traditional Indian designs inspired by nature.
- Some western brands, like Ralph Lauren and Fendi, have faced criticism for using Indian craft designs without crediting the Indian artists.
- Indian craftsmanship is valued for its detailed, patient handwork and technical skill, which luxury fashion relies on for high-quality creations.
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