Two-sided Eri Stole holding the patchwork made of naturally dyed Eri silk 

Cowdung, Indigo, Turmeric, and Myrobalan need to be worked with meticulous chemistry to craft the natural dyes of this subtle elegance. There is a good chemist, and there is a bad chemist. And then there is an Alchemist. The alchemy of natural dyes is indeed a work of wonder that makes me imagine how it would have all started. Someone knew how to dream, and someone would have loved to bring some colour to life. Often, traders are recognised for this skill when we read history. However, I want to believe that it must be indeed mothers who put in their hearts, the creative seed. 

I called this shawl Melbourne because Melbourne is home to me now. This shawl has the essence of my life in Melbourne. She is textured, muted, structured, light, grounded at the core and flexible around, smartly casual, yet needs to keep the elegance that speaks a confident yet gentle mood. My adventures, too, have changed their flavour. One big adventure is a supermarket and so many crazy wonders housed in such a small space. The world meets in a supermarket, and all desires and vices, too. I prefer nature parks. Melbourne has so many. 

Eri Silk is naturally dyed, handspun, and woven on a throw shuttle loom in rural Assam.

Melbourne 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 and tassels

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