Artisans are at the centre of India’s heritage. Today, the fashion industry employs many craftsmen. The designers have realised how important it is to preserve the crafts of the nation and take them ahead in the long run. Considering the importance of shifting to slow fashion and Sustainable fashion being the new trend, connecting crafts of India to it should be considered a significant and much-needed step in the fashion industry today.
With all the enthusiasm and appreciation going around the recent VicKat wedding, Rajasthan’s cultural crafts and heritage came into the limelight as well. Many Bollywood celebrities in recent times have chosen Rajasthan as their wedding destinations, and designers have showcased the various crafts and prints of India into their designs. The printed looks that the couple wore for the wedding functions and all design for the jewellery was firsthand rendered by The Sabyasachi Art Foundation. The foundation works with local craftspeople and artists to provide them with due recognition and a livelihood.
Rajasthan is a place of rulers and great legends who have dutifully encouraged artists to create traditional crafts, highlighting the rich Indian heritage. Amongst the various crafts of Rajasthan, I tried to understand a few crafts which people from generations have admired. Be it the beautiful ethnic Silver jewellery or the Oxidised Gold Jhumkas, The Lac Bangles and the Mojaris go with many Indian outfits and give the good, desirable look.
To understand better and to get an insight about these crafts of Rajasthan, I went out and visited some Rajasthani handicraft stores and talked to the owners.
Meenakari Jewellery– Rajasthani Meenakari work plays a significant role in carving striking designs in the modern-day jewellery world. Meenakari is all about delicate shaping, intricacy, cultural designs, vivid colours, and gems and stones.
Mojaris- Morjaris or Jutis are handmade footwear with exquisite embroidery. This traditional craft has made Rajasthan walk long while holding an attractive position. The motifs and patterns of the footwear vary from district to district. However, Jaipur and Jodhpur are the hubs of mojaris. They are a pivotal part of traditional dresses. Mojaris are made for both men and women, with India’s people wearing these with traditional attire.
They are made from camel leather and ornamented with stones and silk thread embroideries. Above all, mojaris are popular amongst locals and travellers who visit India. This footwear also requires mastery, as it undergoes several processes.
Blue Pottery, Silver Jewellery, Lac Bangles, Dhurrie Work, Ivory Jewellery, Kundan work and so forth are some of Rajasthan’s other handicrafts. Designers like Sabyasachi, Ritu Kumar, Tarun Tahilani, Anita Dongre, Manish Malhotra, and many more have started collaborating with local artisans upon realising the importance of flourishing Indian handicrafts and started connecting these crafts globally.
From bridal outfits to small occasions to movie characters, celebrities are seen flaunting Rajasthani prints & jewellery for generations. Be it Aishwarya Rai in Jodha Akbar or Alia Bhatt in Kalank or Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone wedding outfits, all have been seen wearing Rajasthani cultural prints and handicrafts. The only thing designers should ensure he does not forget other handicrafts while they take forward some because I genuinely believe every handicraft in India is unique in its own way. Also, the characteristics of slow fashion need to be kept in mind.
Fashion&Styling 
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