Journal

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!

I'm lately literally living in these quilted block print pants! These feel like a warm hug, ridiculously cozy and comfortable for transition weather.

I was into printed pants in my early 30s, and loved mixing and matching prints and colors (which I still do and always have!). Somehow in my late 30s, I steered away from these and stuck to jeans and solids. Recently, my love for printed pants has been reignited, and they've become a closet staple! 

I was recently reading Cup of Jo, and Sanae Lemoine in A Week of Outfits rightly said "...I realized that pants with structure or a cool shape can also feel dressy." I wholeheartedly agree with her, and think that a cool shape of pants can be so alluring. 

I'm excited to share more colors and prints in these quilted pants very soon! You'd want to live in these, too.

Stretchy, stylish, and most comfortable cotton indigo kantha pants! Easy to mix and match with casual tees, button-down shirts or your favorite vintage quilted top, these pants are versatile, and so perfect for spring/summer months! I certainly reach for my indigo pants often, and feel like these are a practical clothing choice while being so unique at the same time!

We are so excited to launch these indigo pants in several prints this spring. The combination of deep blue indigo dye and intricate kantha stitching creates a timeless aesthetic that reflects India's rich textile heritage.

We can't wait to share sneak peeks and styling ideas in the coming weeks! Meanwhile, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us or DM us via Instagram. 

While shopping in India during one of my recent trips, I was fascinated by the beauty and versatility of vintage kantha quilts.  Kantha quilts are handmade by skilled artisans from India’s Bengal region using traditional embroidery technique known as “kantha stitching,” resembling a simple running stitch. Each quilt is upcycled by layering old saris and other worn-out textiles, and stitching them together to create a stunning, one-of-a-kind piece. The combination of different fabrics and thread colors adds a lively and eye-catching element to the quilts. Kantha quilts are multipurpose and can be used as blankets, wall hangings, bedspreads, and even morphed into functional clothing depending on their thickness. 

Originally kantha quilts were created with a simple purpose of keeping warm. The history of these quilts goes far beyond their functionality. This art form was passed on from one generation to the next, weaving a narrative through their intricate details.

When I first encountered these quilts, all I could think of was turning these into wearable art! How fun would it be to repurpose these quilts into cozy and comfortable pants? The vibrant colors and the natural distressed finish have a solid aesthetic appeal while being sustainable at the same time!

I’m sharing one of the very first (and my favorite!) pieces I designed. Deeply rooted in culture and family traditions, these pants offer a delightful combination of warmth and style. Hope you love these as much as I do!

Love for textiles and clothing has been an integral part of my upbringing. I was raised in India in the 80s when bespoke clothing was one of the only options to get quality clothes at the time (due to lack of tasteful ready-made options in the market). I developed a deep affinity towards the entire garment creation process. Going fabric sourcing with my mom, browsing hundreds of catalogs for designs, and visiting our old school family tailor was what “clothes shopping” meant in my childhood and undergrad years. 

I have many fond memories of “playing dress-up” and trying on outfits after picking up the finished product from the tailor a few weeks later. This ritual ended when I moved to the United States for grad school in my early 20s. That’s when I said goodbye to handmade clothing, and embraced mass manufactured fast fashion. 

After years of shopping this way, and ending up with clothes I basically didn’t  want after a couple of wears, I started missing my trusty tailor-made options available back home. I couldn’t stand feeling wasteful. I only wanted to own a few pieces I would enjoy wearing over and over again. On every visit to India, I would bring back my stock of cotton dresses for the summer months -- and make them last for years! This option worked well for sometime, however, fast forward a few years (and two kids) later, I needed a reliable, long-term shopping alternative. 

Bridging the market gap

I started researching some local independent brands offering similar clothing or shopping Indian brands online. I was either disappointed in the available options or found little to no options that met my everyday lifestyle as a mom and a photographer. I needed contemporary, effortless and comfortable clothing made with rich and lasting textiles.

This sparked my desire to bridge that gap in the market and give worldwide shoppers access to well crafted clothing made in India. Although not novel, an idea for a small business began to take shape.

My further research led me to extremely talented artisanal communities who are struggling to generate employment and keep their crafting techniques alive. I decided I wanted to bring traditional textiles and techniques to the forefront of the international market, while staying stylish, relevant, and sustainable at the same time. 

My goal is to curate a collection that transcends trends and seasons, and appeals to conscious shoppers with a discerning taste.

If you’re in the market for unique, thoughtfully crafted garments that fit your lifestyle, I’m excited to share this journey with you.