Wednesday 18 January 2023

Heritage styles that should be a staple in your ethnic wardrobe

Shopping is every woman’s favorite obsession. Be it western or ethnic wear, they spend hours and thousands every year to stay in style. What if we told you there are some prints and styles that are timeless? Read on to discover styles that you buy once but can flaunt forever!

  • Hand block print:

Hand block print is one of the oldest printing techniques in India. In this, sheesham wood blocks are engraved with desired motifs. Once carved, they are dipped in colors and are stamped in a rhythmic sequence on the fabric. The result is a gorgeous piece of art that reflects the rich heritage of India. Don’t believe us? Try a hand block printed anarkali kurta from Vishnu and experience the grandeur yourself!

  • Kalamkari block print:

Kalamkari translates to kalam i.e., pen and kari i.e., art. Kalamkari paintings, apparel and home décor are still a treasure trove of Southern India. However, as the art was extremely labor intensive, fewer people were able to embrace its luxury. This is when brands like Vishnu introduced hand block printed kalamkari kurta. Though a modern twist on the traditional art, their hand block printed kalamkari kurta has the same aesthetics and appeal. The only difference is instead of tracing outlines with a pen, their kaarigars do it with a wooden block - quite like hand blocks. 

  • Indigo block print:

Indigo block print fabric is the best testimony to the power of nature and the finesse of impeccable craftsmanship. Made by dyeing the color of Indigofera tinctoria and then imprinting with sheesham blocks, indigo block print fabric has stood the many tests of time and fashion. From low-key functions to grander than the grand junctures, indigo block print kurta, anarkalis and palazzos have never failed to dazzle with their charm. 

  • Bagru print:

If you are not new to the ethnic world, we are sure your closet must be brimmed with hand block printed cotton kurtis. However, have you ever heard of bagru print kurtas? Born in the lap of a small town in Rajasthan named Bagru, it is an understated Indian art form. The colors of a bagru print suit or kurta are usually earthy because of the natural harda paste used as coloring agent. Every bagru kurta or ethnic apparel is wrapped in countless traditional tales. And as we all know, stories never get old!

  • Ajrakh print:

Just like bagru, Ajrakh is another art form that is incredibly gorgeous but unrecognized. Originally made by the generational artisans of Ajrakhpur, every ajrakh kurta, suit or bottom is a piece of art. One of its kind and extremely labour intensive, Ajrakh printing is a mixture of resist dyeing and block printing techniques. 

Though there are countless art forms and weaves in India, the ones stated above are recently getting the attention they deserve. That said, remember that are countless machine-printed copies of Indigo block print fabric and other art forms out there. Shop only from trusted labels like Vishnu that work with artisans to empower them whilst preserving the irreplicable forms. 

Source: https://kurtidesignforshorgirl.blogspot.com/2023/01/heritage-styles-that-should-be-staple.html

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