Promotion of Rural and Tribal Art by Fashion Houses
Promotion of Rural and Tribal Art by Fashion Houses
India is home to over 700 indigenous tribes, making them highly significant in today's community context due to their eco-friendly methods, cruelty-free materials, and zero-waste practices. In the realm of fashion, cultural heritage, and identity are intricately intertwined with concepts of fashion, much like other forms of art. In recent years, redefining what "Indian-ness" means has become crucial for expressing our sense of style and the message we wish to convey to the world.
Some fashion houses chose to delve deeper into the Indian hinterlands, while others looked to the West to fuse new concepts with traditional Indian handicrafts. They embarked on a journey to explore the diverse indigenous communities that contribute to India's distinct identity, incorporating their craftsmanship into their designs. This dual purpose serves to resurrect long-forgotten crafts, raise awareness of exquisite handicrafts and artworks, and seamlessly integrate them into the sustainability narrative. Here are a few fashion houses engaged in the promotion of rural and tribal art:
• Ka-Sha: Karishma Shahani Kha, the designer behind the Pune-based brand Ka-Sha, is dedicated to celebrating craftsmanship in all its splendor while maintaining a focus on environmental sustainability and the welfare of the artisans involved in the clothing production process. The brand draws inspiration from a wide array of every day, handcrafted, indigenous embellishments and the age-old practice of recycling, repurposing, and reclaiming.
• Ikai: Fashion designer Ragini Ahuja, based in Delhi, introduced her brand Ikai in 2012. It stands for self-expression, powerful femininity, and empowerment. Her designs have gained recognition for their distinctive patterns and tribal influences fused with traditional handicrafts. The clothing and textiles are locally crafted by Indian artisans using indigenous materials. Ikai draws inspiration from nomadic and tribal communities in remote parts of the world, infusing these elements into their designs.
Importance of Tribal and Rural Art in the Fashion Industry:
Tribal art has significantly contributed to the Indian economy through the fashion industry. Fashion is influenced by time, season, diversity, culture, and various other factors. Combining tribal art with fashion provides a fresh perspective on the fashion industry, highlighting the uniqueness of each culture. While the idea of blending fashion with various cultures is not new, it continues to captivate and inspire. The popularity of tribal art has led to the establishment of indigenous fashion galleries, museums, and exhibitions, showcasing these remarkable artworks.
Conclusion:
In a world where goods are readily available from everywhere, it is essential to support local artisans and indigenous artists by buying locally. Supporting local and indigenous artists directly or indirectly bolsters a nation's economy. Numerous organizations and self-help groups have been established that champion local and indigenous artists. Individuals can contribute to these organizations by participating in their tree-planting campaign or other initiatives that engage with indigenous fashion. Visit the aadivasi.org/blog/ website to obtain eco-friendly products in exchange for funding their tree-planting efforts, and to support rural and tribal artists in preserving their artistic traditions. By supporting foundations like Aadivasi.org, you not only promote tribal art and the livelihoods of indigenous people, but you also protect the environment from products associated with cruelty & unsustainable practices.