A new saree collection that explores age-old crafts, vibrant colors and brings with it the spirit of fun and frolic, Gulaal!

From the oriental lands of Japan to our Suta product roster, our latest saree collection ‘Gulaal’ is our first venture into the ancient Japanese craft of Shibori. The intricacy of the process and its relation to the country’s history is of paramount significance to be merely put under the umbrella term of ‘tie-dye’. 

Derived from the Japanese word ‘shiboru’, which translates to squeeze or press, the craft is an age-old take on resist dyeing using threads to create unique, contrasting patterns. While its origins trace to China, the Japanese have adopted their own methods and transformed Shibori from a craft practised by the lower class to commissioned pieces of art gifted between aristocrats, emperors and more. 

During the Edo period (1603 - 1867), many of the lower class, who were forbidden from using silk, resorted to dying their cheap hemp clothing in indigo to create the patterns that have evolved to the shibori we know today. It eventually became a technique to revive, repair and revamp older clothes. 

The beauty of shibori lies in the multiple interpretations of patterns and techniques that can be achieved, for a piece of fabric can be manipulated in many ways. Whether it’s through tying concentric rings with thread, clamping the cloth in various manners or twisting it, the possibilities are endless. Further, artisans don’t know the results of their efforts and techniques until the very end. 

To welcome the glorious season of summer we decided to experiment with the craft in our own special way using vibrant fabrics of soft mul, complementary coloured dyes to create fun patterns and striking cotton blouses that provide you with the perfect wardrobe for welcoming spring. We hope you love our new saree collection, ‘Gulaal’ and hope this season of festivities brings you great joy, prosperity and the best new beginnings.