WEST BENGAL
West Bengal: Clusters, Materials, and Our Way of Working
In West Bengal, we bring together three textile traditions: Jamdani from Phulia and Shantipur, Baluchari from Bishnupur, and the fine silks of Murshidabad. Each has its own rhythm, history, and design style. In the Jamdani clusters, weaving is done with quiet precision. Motifs are added by hand into the weft, thread by thread, so the designs seem to float in the fabric. In Bishnupur, Baluchari weaving turns silk into stories, with pallus showing detailed, story-like scenes made by skilled loom work. From Murshidabad, we use some of the most graceful silks, known for their lightness, soft shine, and rich colour. Across these regions, we work with both mulberry silk and ahimsa silk. Mulberry silk is strong and shiny, giving clarity to the weave and a rich finish. Takli Spun, Ahimsa silk, made through a non-violent process, has a different feel: it is slightly textured, matte, and quietly expressive. We choose each material for its unique qualities, not as a replacement for the other. Our approach is based on working closely with weavers and artisans, learning about each loom, each yarn, and the time each technique needs. Designs are developed through conversation, sometimes starting as hand-drawn or painted ideas, then slowly turned into weave or print through several stages. We do not rush or aim for uniformity. Instead, we let each cluster keep its own identity, pace, and character. The result is a collection that values diversity in craft, where material, method, and maker come together with clarity and respect.