February 2020 Issue Apparel February 2020 issue | Page 59

FEATURE
Bina adds that traditionally, techniques such as
hand-block printing, shibori, and clamp-dyeing
were done on heavy cottons or silks. “I have
worked with these textile techniques on sheer,
and fine fabrics and the result is different as
the fabric looks quite trendy and the garments
become more functional and stylish. At Creative
Bee, we have developed a few signature weaves
by blending two to three varieties of hand-spun
silk yarns with silk procured from filatures—these
fabrics have very unique textures and fall. We dye
them with natural dyes or employ traditional textile
techniques such as block-printing, hand-painting,
TIMELESS TEXTILES
Bina Rao, designer and founder, Creative Bee,
says, “I feel that handmade Indian textiles are truly
timeless and this is due to their nature of being
handwoven from hand-spun yarns. In India, yarns
are hand-spun in many varieties; consequently,
we have a wide variety of handwoven fabrics with
different textures. A designer can have their own
infrastructure, wherein weavers can be trained to
create fabrics of new textures. Traditional surface
design techniques can then be used on these
fabrics with attractive and distinctive effects, for
when the texture of a fabric is changed through
innovation in weaving, then its appearance post
surface design—and the resulting garment—is
truly unique.”
“WEAVERS CAN BE
TRAINED TO CREATE
FABRICS OF
NEW TEXTURES.”
as well of those of different textures and drapes.
India boasts many weaves that can only be
produced on a handloom.
Asif Shaikh, an Ahmedabad-based master
embroiderer and textile designer says, “India’s
textile artisans can craft myriad fabrics with a
range of surface designs that make them suitable
for every season as well as occasion—from
weddings and festivals to everyday wear. There
are lots of options available in the country. So
designers only need to look within for inspiration.”
APPAREL
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