Indian Craft collection blends traditional Indian textiles with contemporary designs

Pink Fort’s new summer collection, titled Indian Craft is a tribute to traditional printing techniques combined with modern Indian silhouettes.

“At Pink Fort, our attempt is to reimagine traditional Indian clothing for the women of today, enabling them to celebrate their modern sensibilities and traditional Indian ethos at the same time,” says Neha Saluja, design head, Pink Fort.

It includes pieces inspired by three Indian handicraft techniques — Dabu, Ajrakh and Batik. Dabu, with its roots deeply embedded in the heritage of Rajasthan, unfolds a story of intricate handblock prints adorning fabrics in vibrant hues. Every outfit meticulously crafted by artisans, tells a tale of timeless beauty, seamlessly merging with modern geometric and floral patterns curated by in-house designers.

Ajrakh, renowned for its captivating layering of prints, captures the essence of nature’s allure with its mesmerising visual effects. The age-old handblock technique intertwines with new-age designs to offer a collection that celebrates the harmony between traditional craft and modernity.

“In our Batik collection, the fusion of art and culture unfolds, where meticulous wax application gives birth to delicate patterns that dance with light and shadow. Each piece is a canvas of intricate motifs and vibrant hues, a testament to the rich craftsmanship of India seamlessly interwoven with modern expression,” she says.

Indian Craft is the first collection by Pink Fort that brings together three Indian textile arts in one place. All the textile printing techniques are a celebration of Indian heritage and artisanship, as each fabric is handmade by artisans. The collection features a blend of earthy and modern colours. The palette ranges from classic whites and blues to blacks, reds, pinks, yellows and browns. There are kurtas, kurta sets, tops, and dresses featuring breezy

silhouettes and cuts. “The whole collection can either be paired with heavy jewellery for the indie boho vibes or can be paired with fine silver jewellery for a minimal, neat look,” adds Neha.

Price starts at Rs 1,995. Available online.

— manuvipin@newindianexpress.com