fashion, design and old world charm
… Read FullUpcycling simply means
I own and have accumulated probably as many as thirty pairs of jeans, being that annoying girl that eats a lot but never gets fat, still wearing the same waist size from high school. And I also own as many mass fashion Forever 21, Zara, or H&M denims as any of you. Then, doesn’t that make me a hypocrite for all the talk of being sustainable, turning to handlooms and handcrafted, and so on?
Lets face it, not all of … Read Full
This picture is ironic on many, many levels.
What it’s called on the package: carmine, crimson lake, carmine lake, cochineal, natural red 4, C.I. 75470, E120
What it actually is: Carmine is a red pigment made from crushing female cochineal beetles, and it reportedly takes 70,000 dead insects to make one pound of red dye. Helps to achieve red shades in make up.
Where it may be lurking: makeup, particularly in red lipsticks, blushers and nailpaint.
A shocking list of … Read Full
I’ve stumbled upon treasure for crafty, eco-fashion loving designers, artists and hobby enthusiasts! KnitSilk.com and their page on Elanic now sell beautifully textured handspun saree silk yarn, and it’s perfect for all kinds of knitting, crochet, decorative and jewellery projects. Here’s what it’s all about;
… Read FullThis yarn is also known as the Himalayan Sari Silk Yarn made from Sari Silk Fiber. During the making of Saris in India, a lot of small finer threads of various colours are left over
In the face of the ugly truth behind the beauty industry, our country recently became the first country in South Asia to ban the testing of cosmetics, soaps and household detergents (and its ingredients) on animals. Yes, that means every cosmetic product or brand of Indian origin that you purchase would be cruelty free!
What is the big deal about cruelty-free though?
Almost every major make up brand (L’Oreal, Mac, Maybelline, Bobbi Brown and more) resting in your dresser reaches … Read Full
Upcycled fashion is a chic, easy and significant step towards reducing the humongous tonnes of waste generated by the fashion industry every year. This series of posts titled “The Jean Project” captures different DIY projects to revamp denims and up their style quotient, saving a trip to the mall for yet another pair!
Experimenting with ripped denims this week, I mend the done-to-death gaping holes in my jeans with a fun spin on an ancient Japanese embroidery technique called Sashiko… Read Full
With temperatures soaring, it’s time to create an all new summer wardrobe, replete with summer staples in light, breathe-easy and beautifully handcrafted textiles! Hand dyed cotton textiles that undergo traditional processes like mud or wax resist printing/block printing- such as batiks, indigo prints and kalamkaris- are usually incredibly soft, light and comfortable due to repeated washing involved in every stage of the handcrafted printing process.
Left, Ochre and Brown Batik – The making of a batik fabric involves spreading a … Read Full
A double ikat check pattern – this handwoven Indian textile has a wondrously precise construction technique wherein the pattern is tied and dyed at specific spots before weaving the yarns into a fabric. The skill and precision of the artisans is such that a pattern emerges at these specific spots after the yarns are interlaced into a fabric. The signature serrated pattern is a result of this handcrafted artistry (fabric sourced from Andhra Pradesh)
In the first design, a hint … Read Full
Stoles are the easiest way to incorporate handcrafted textiles into your daily wardrobe if going all-the-way traditional is not your thing. A series of daily outfit details from my internship at Please Touch The Handloom Experience at Artisans’ Kalaghoda.
Wearing handcrafted and handloom textiles is so much more than just Indian-ized styling. It’s promoting and preserving a craft heritage spanning centuries, it’s empowering artisans, weavers and craftsmen from the remotest corners of the country, it’s protecting a glorious culture and … Read Full
Cleopatra-esque, bardot with a hint of rouge and some dramatic emerald
… Read Full