Given India is a hot spot for textiles, silk, embroidery and block print, I couldnt resist checking out some sources. Fortunately, our guides knew people and places.
In Mumbai we first visited a woman owned shop near the Taj Hotel with amazing fabrics for custom made outfits and wedding wear. This visit prompted the notion that some textiles from India could be simply amazing for a Scarlett Chase limited edition. We then visited a print factory where a large drum rollled a preset print onto fabrics of all types. For smaller jobs, a large paint frame permitted application by stencil. The factory owner had a second location where embroidery was done by machine. We supply a pattern and base material, and they execute. Very cool.
In Varanasi we visited a 6th generation craftsman producing one of a kind, loom based prints for high end weddings and for wall hangings and table centerpieces. The pattens were so amazing. It was here that our guide told us, over lunch, that meat eaters are angry/aggressive. In other words you should only eat veg, otherwise the meat may make you angry. Interesting philosophy...
In Jaipur, we visited another manufacturer with looms and 500 families in a co-op. They were making rugs on the looms at the time.
We also checked out a jewelers building of sorts. Who knew that India mined and exported so many precious stones?
In Jaisalmer, we visited a pashmina shop from Kashmir. Since getting to Kashmir is now limited (although locals say it is perfectly safe now), Kashmir comes to Jaisalmer. The proprietor had some gorgeous hand made pashminas with detailed embroidery on pure cashmere and cashmere/pashmina blends. My poor design partner will have a lot to look at and I'd love to see some of these amazing patterns worked into the Scarlett Chase line for fall 2023 and beyond.
K and S were very patient with the textile and printing visits! A shot of Scarlett Chase from instagram provides the inspo for finding textiles--to make patterned versions of the core line.
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