Journal

Gallery walls are a wonderful way to infuse personality and story into your living space. While large-scale statement pieces can stand alone in their grandeur, there’s something uniquely charming about curating a collection of smaller works of art that create a tapestry of memories and style.

In our home, creating this gallery wall was a labor of love - a mix of treasures from our travels and pieces made by dear friends. Every piece on this wall has its own story, evoking memories of faraway places or cherished moments. It’s amazing how art can transform a room into a sanctuary, sparking joy every time you pass by, and offering a gentle reminder to pause and reflect.

 Adding Depth and Dimension

To add dimension, we mixed frames of various colors and shapes and even included one of my favorite sculptures. This variety creates a layered, dynamic look that effortlessly draws the eye. While there are “rules” about layout - like anchoring the composition with a large piece at the center - we found that following our intuition worked best. Our goal was to find that balance where the display feels intentional but not overwhelming.

We began by laying everything out on the floor exactly as we envisioned, rearranging the pieces like a jigsaw puzzle until we settled on a final layout we loved.

Your Wall, Your Vision

What I’ve learned is this: there’s no right or wrong way to do a gallery wall. It’s about expressing your unique style, your memories, and the art that resonates with you. Whether you’re team gallery wall or prefer the simplicity of a single artwork, the key is to surround yourself with things that make you happy.

What’s Your Take?

Do gallery walls bring a sense of charm to your home, or do you prefer a more minimalist approach? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

I’m still in complete and utter awe of the stunning masterpieces I encountered in Peru this past summer — elegant and flowing pollera skirts, blouses, and vests sewn in a baroque style, each a reflection of the region’s unique culture. The vibrant colors and intricate embroidery I saw in Chivay were especially mesmerizing, telling stories of tradition, creativity, and a profound connection to nature. These stunning garments are not just clothing; they are works of art that carry the spirit of their origins.

When we first launched Cottedge, one of the pieces we were most excited to share was our Organic Cotton Hand Block Printed Kalamkari Tent Tops. These tops immediately captured our hearts with their voluminous, "anti-fit" drape—a thoughtful design that beautifully accommodates multiple sizes and body types.

What makes these pieces truly exceptional is the artistry behind them. The Kalamkari fabric is created using a traditional block-printing technique with natural dyes, a process that demands incredible skill, precision, and patience. Every piece is a unique work of art, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of the artisans who bring it to life. The prints and colors are so distinct and special, it's impossible not to fall in love with them.

Beyond their beauty, these tops are crafted from organic cotton, making them wonderfully breathable, soft, and lightweight—an ideal choice for everyday comfort. These versatile tops can be styled in countless ways! Pair them with pants, jeans, or shorts for an effortless look, or layer them over another piece for a unique, creative touch. They also look stunning when accessorized with scarves or statement jewelry, making the styling possibilities truly endless.

We’ve noticed, however, that relaxed-fit or oversized clothing can sometimes face resistance. Many associate it with being ill-fitted or "too big." We think that these Tent Tops embrace ease and movement while celebrating your natural shape—a perfect blend of comfort and style.

If you haven’t already, we invite you to explore these beautiful tops while they’re still available. We'd love to hear your thoughts so please reach out with any sizing or general questions.

Our quilted block print pants bring together artistry, comfort, and versatility. Crafted from hand block printed cotton, each pair reveals intricate quilted texture that adds dimension and cozy comfort to every wear. This piece offers the perfect balance between style and function with a relaxed elastic waistband and side pockets.

Styling is effortless—these pants pair seamlessly with casual tees or cozy sweaters. A unique button closure at the hem lets you adjust the fit: keep it loose for a relaxed vibe, taper it for a tailored look, or roll it up for a playful cuff. The detailed block printing and subtle quilting make these pants a timeless addition to any wardrobe.

Rediscover comfort and artistry in every step with our quilted block print pants.

What a joy it is to introduce the Poppy Gather Top, adorned with hand-block printed Mughal motifs! Inspired by the rich garden culture of Mughal India, this stunning floral print evokes a sense of nostalgia, taking us back to the intricate botanical murals seen on the walls of ancient buildings. Each motif is a tribute to the timeless artistry of that era, blending heritage with modern design.

Crafted from the luxurious Chanderi fabric, the top boasts a sheer texture, a glossy finish, and an indulgent feel that is both lightweight and elegant. Chanderi is celebrated for its subtle shimmer, and this top embraces that, allowing the intricate floral designs to shine with a delicate grace. 

A bonus feature of this design is its anti-fit style, which means it's made to fit a variety of body types and sizes. The loose, free-flowing cut ensures that it flatters multiple shapes while maintaining comfort, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe.

Whether you’re stepping out for a casual outing or attending a semi-formal gathering, this top is versatile and effortlessly chic. It brings together the best of traditional Indian craftsmanship and contemporary fashion, creating a statement piece that transcends time and trends.

The Poppy Gather Top is more than just a garment—it’s a story woven with history, art, and timeless beauty!

One of the pieces I'm especially excited about this fall/winter is our quilted block print jacket! While these won’t be ready for early fall, I can guarantee that once they hit the website, they'll be a crowd favorite. These jackets are so timeless, they can easily be worn well into spring or chilly summer evenings.

So, why do I love this quilted jacket so much? It’s hands down the most versatile item in my wardrobe! Whether I'm rushing out the door on busy days or looking for an easy yet stylish way to stay warm, this jacket is always my go-to. The intricate block print adds both depth and character, blending heritage craftsmanship with a modern silhouette.

It’s also incredibly easy to style in countless ways. It pairs beautifully with jeans, solid pants, skirts, and dresses. Or, if you're like me and love mixing prints and patterns, this jacket is a perfect candidate for that too (as seen paired with a checkered textured jumpsuit and a printed scarf in the picture above). Whether you’re wearing sandals, sneakers, or boots, this jacket effortlessly pulls any outfit together. It's ideal for layering (just not under a snug coat!), and the quilted texture keeps me cozy in cooler temperatures. It’s truly a wardrobe staple I can’t live without!

I'll be back with an update soon. In the meantime, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to place a custom order based on your measurements.

We’ve been thrilled about these quilted block print pants for the upcoming fall and winter seasons! Though we’ve faced some minor production hiccups and aren’t exactly sure when they’ll arrive, we’re absolutely in love with the sample we’ve created.

Made with cozy quilted cotton and adorned with beautiful block print motifs, these pants are not just stylish but also incredibly versatile.

- Dress it up with a crisp white blouse and elegant leather flats for a polished, contemporary look. Perfect for lunch dates, gallery visits, or casual Fridays at work.

- Dress it down with a simple tee or tank top and sandals for an easy, comfortable day out, whether you're heading to the farmers' market or a relaxed evening with friends.

Stay tuned for updates—we can’t wait for you to try them out! As always, feel free to contact us with any questions - we love hearing from you!

Kota Doria fabric comes from the town of Kota in Rajasthan, India, and is famous for its delicate checkered pattern, translucent texture, and breathability. The word "Doria" actually means "thread" in English, which highlights the intricate weaving technique used to make this fabric. Even today, Kota Doria is handwoven on traditional pit looms in Kaithoon, near Kota, and in some surrounding villages. The traditional process involves dyeing the yarn, setting the loom, and weaving with precision to create the signature checkered pattern known as "khat."

Traditionally, Kota Doria fabric is made from cotton or a blend of cotton and silk, which makes it breathable and comfortable to wear. It's used to make garments like sarees, kurtas, dupattas, and scarves. Because of its comfort, sheer elegance, and timeless appeal, it's a popular choice for everything from casual wear to formal events.

I have such fond memories of turning my mom's Kota sarees into tunics (salwar kameez) or buying Kota fabrics just to make salwar kameez. They were some of my favorite outfits because the fabric is so soft on the skin and perfect for the scorching summer heat. I hadn't worn Kota since I left India in 2004, but when I came across this beautiful top from Jaipur Pink, it felt like a trip down memory lane. I really wanted to share this amazing piece with you all here. It’s such a creative idea to use this elegant and breathable fabric to make a unique top that blends traditional fabric with a contemporary style, giving you a balanced look that’s both casual and refined. This top can be worn lined or unlined, depending on your preference, and it’s perfect for a casual summer outing or a sun-soaked day by the water!

Chikankari, also known as chikan work, is a traditional embroidery style that originated in the city of Lucknow, India. It involves delicate and intricate hand embroidery using white thread on a variety of lightweight fabrics such as cotton, muslin, silk, or organza. It is one of the most famous and exquisite forms of thread work practiced in India, passed down through generations of artisans in Lucknow and other regions of India. 

Chinkan work is characterized by various fine and elaborate stitching techniques, including flat, raised, and embossed stitches. The most commonly used stitches in Chikankari include the back stitch, long running stitch, jaali stitch etc. These stitches are employed to create intricate patterns and motifs, with paisleys, flowers, birds, and animals being the most popular designs!

Why is Chikan so special to us? Growing up, I have fond memories of my mom bringing back beautiful Chikan kurtas and tops from Lucknow while visiting family there. One of my good friends, whose mom is from Lucknow, would also bring back beautiful Chikan collections to share with us. We would eagerly buy and indulge in these unique pieces, typically only found in Lucknow and not easily accessible elsewhere, especially during the 90s before the days of online shopping. The lightweight and breathable nature of sheer fabrics used for this work made these pieces perfect for hot Indian summers. 

I distinctly remember owning Chikan kurtas in gentle pastel hues of light pink, light pistachio green, and classic white. I still have a white top that my mom bought circa 2000. It doesn't fit me anymore, but it's a part of my keepsake collection. Perhaps someday, my daughters will appreciate it and wear it as well.

Needless to say, beyond nostalgia, the artistry and skill involved in creating Chikankari pieces make them highly valued and cherished. This craftsmanship not only preserves cultural heritage but also provides livelihoods to thousands of skilled artisans.

We are SO excited to partner with Chowk, a Lucknow-based brand, to celebrate and share with you the timeless Chikankari pieces handmade by the local artisans. Stay tuned…

We are very excited to collaborate with Ilamra to introduce beautiful hand block printed and naturally dyed Kalamkari Tent tops. Kalamkari is a traditional Indian art form that involves hand painting or block printing on cotton/silk fabric, and is primarily produced in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Kalamkari is known for its intricate motifs and vibrant colors, which are achieved using natural dyes.

Block printing with natural dyes is a labor-intensive process that requires skill, precision, and patience. Each piece of Kalamkari fabric is a unique work of art, reflecting the creativity and craftsmanship of the artisans who create it.

These glorious lightweight Tent tops are made of breathable organic cotton mul, and are ideal for the summer months! We love these voluminous tops for their effortless ease, elegant style, and ​​statement sleeves. Pair this top with jeans, pants, or shorts for an easy brunch-to-beach look!