AJRAKH: Inspired by the desert craft of block printing
BEAUTY IN
SYMMETRY
The Ajrakh craft is traditionally practiced by the Khatri community of Kutch who migrated to Gujarat from Sindh in the 16th century. Each step in the process of Ajrakh printing follows the concept of ‘Mizan’ (balance and order), which is central to all Islamic art forms. The intricate patterns showcase the master artisans' ability to attain a perfect inter-relationship between the part and the whole.
Our summer collection is inspired by the age-old craft of Ajrakh printing.
LAYERED
DESIGN
Ajrakh design is a product of the resist dyeing technique, where a certain portion is refrained while the remaining is exposed to the dye. This selective process results in the appearance of a range of beautiful colors, in a simple yet marvelous pattern.
Shop our new suit sets, adorned in beautiful patterns created by layering prints in tonal hues.
RESIST
DYEING
It begins with the cloth stretched and pinned onto a table. The next step is to apply a mixture of mud-based resist-paste to the woodblock. This paste is then transferred by pressing the block over it. The same motion is repeated until the pattern is complete. The cloth subsequently dyed in a base colour and laid under the sun to dry, rinsed and dyed again in a cycle of four or five times depending on the number of colours in a design.
Our Ajrakh edit is a medley of thoughtfully layered colours in a harmonious mix.
Geometric &
Floral Motifs
Inspired by Islamic architecture and iconography, the patterns found in Ajrakh are highly geometric, printed in a web of repetitive design sequence. This repeat pattern gives the design its character. Each design takes time, partnership and experience.
Our new styles are layered in an ornate pattern featuring intricate geometric and floral motifs.
SUMMER
HUES
The Ajrakh makers believe that the printed fabric should be a mix of warm and cool both to balance the body temperature. Traditionally only four colors: Red (alizarin), blue (indigo), black (iron acetate) white (resist) were used to make an Ajrakh textile. Even the simplest Ajrakh design can have anywhere between 4-5 different shades and individual blocks are used for each color.
Explore a mix of earthy tones and bright hues for hot summer days from our Ajrakh story.
