A designer based in New Delhi buys pre-loved vintage saris from a sari-seller and transforms them into stunning masterpieces. They are remarkable for their beauty, style and sustainability.
And they empower marginalized women. It takes 15 to 30 days to create a Silk Sari Kantha Shawl.
Read on for five reasons people love them. And check out my recently added shawls here. Stay tuned for more coming in the Fall!
Five Reasons the silk sari kantha shawls always stick the landing
Limited Edition, Exclusive, Stylish - The silk sari kantha shawls are made from two pieces of vintage sari fabric in very small batches. They are reversible and versatile. Because each fabric is different, each shawl is one of a kind. The unique colors and patterns make a style statement - one that you alone can own! The tiny, hand-stitched running stitiches create a rippling effect across the fabric. This adds texture and allows the shawl to maintain its shape and structure.
A 500-year-old Quilting Tradition - Each shawl is more than a stylish accessory—it’s a vibrant piece of history, with a deep cultural legacy. Rural Bengali women learn kantha quilting as children - an ancient craft passed down from mother to daughter. Between household chores, young women came together to hand-stitch layers of old saris. Today, it offers the women economic self-sufficiency, independence and empowerment. "Kantha" refers to both the quilt and the embroidery.
Unsurpassed Quality - Each sari has stood the test of time... and each silk sari kantha shawl undergoes a rigorous seven-step quality control process. The running stitch on two layers of silk sari fabric ensures durability. They cannot be mass-produced. The small irregularities in the stitching remind us that each piece is handmade.
Crucial Income Source for Women - From sari-traders, sari-sellers, to hand-embroiders in West Bengal, shawls provide marginalized women with income. This increases their social and economic standing, self-confidence, and family welfare. They have an indescribable feeling when people around the world cherish their work.
Reuse: The kantha technique allows for the upcycling of vintage saris, giving new life to old fabrics and creating a durable new product. This also keeps the saris out of the landfill.
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