Natural dyed, handspun, handwoven Eri silk accredited to weavers and dyers of Assam.

Zoe represents a camaraderie of natural dyes, each hue a new composition from gifts of nature.

When Eri silk fibre comes into the expert hands of artisans of Assam, they turn fibre into yarn spun gently through their seasoned fingers. No charkha can absorb the gentleness required to spin the delicate fibres of Eri silk. No other tools are needed to spin these yarns except a simple stone-weight drop spindle. When this yarn needs to be woven, a frame amidst the four pillars is dug into the earth. With minimum basics, a loom is created. That loom turns yarn into weaves. These yarns get dyed with no chemicals, no machinery, no large drums, and no heavy-duty set-up. Just sustained fire in the courtyard, experience in the hands and minds, raw materials from nature and the deftness to use with grace what nature offers with grace.

Eri Silk project villages border Meghalaya which is home to the most colour-fast organic turmeric. We use this turmeric to dye our textiles which can vary from the lightest hue of yellow to a deep mustard.

Zoe is joined as a steadfast stitch of panels and patches. Each panel highlights the intricate stitching involved in binding textiles of various textures and densities together. While retaining the light-hearted appeal of the stole, I played with colours that represent sunflower, marigolds, turmeric and the joy and nourishment they bring.

Zoe is a one-of-a-kind textile designed to highlight a unique coming together of various techniques and creativity of handcraft. This design will not be recreated.

Param did the beadwork 

Gurmail, the tailor

Narmohan Dada, the master Eri silk pioneer

Mumma, Madhu, Patchwork technical eyes and segregating hands

Midtoan.com, the photographer

Designed by Ritika