Ahmedabad, 7th August 2019:

This National Handloom Day, Designer Purvi Doshi has launched a limited-edition collection showcasing the Kotpad Weaves. The designer known for sustainable and cruelty-free high fashion has created a collection of sarees and dupattas made with the simple but stunningly sophisticated naturally dyed Kotpad weaves. These originate from the Koraput District of Odisha. This textile tradition lays undiscovered in the jungles and hills of Central India.

The simplicity, harmony, and elegance of the tribal way of life has been captured and crafted in these rough-spun, nature-sprung fabrics. The Kotpad weavers from the Mirgan community make saris for women, gamchas and tuvals for men. Typically, these minimalist saris indicate the wearer’s identity and mark the rites of passage in a woman’s life. 

The fabrics of Kotpad are rough to the touch and are dyed with the reddish tinge from the roots of the Indian Madder (Aal) tree. It is eco-friendly, non-toxic and hence not harmful to the skin. In fact, it is even said that the magic weaves of Koraput actually have a healing effect! The powerful and vibrant colors range from deep maroon to dark brown depending on the proportion of dye used and the addition of sulfate of iron.

This limited, but deep and mysterious color range is offset by the natural unbleached off white of the major portion of the fabric, producing dramatic results. In contrast to the deep color, motifs in cream & black are also embroidered that draw inspiration from nature and their way of life. Some of them are crab, conch, boat, axes, fan, bow, temple, pots, snakes, palanquin bearers, and huts.

This Handloom Day label Purvi Doshi is celebrating the weaves of the Naxalite region, Kotpad of Koraput district in Odisha. At label PurviDoshi, it is vitally important that the hands that produce our designs are able to support themselves and their families. The aim of taking up this weaving tradition was to make it appear globally and contribute in a small way for the revival of this dying technique.

“Our creation is an innate tribute to this weaving art and the artisans whose unmatched dedication gives meaning to it. Looking Fabulous should also feel great!”  - Purvi Doshi

About Purvi  Doshi – the label celebrates India’s crafts and weaves by combining traditional techniques with contemporary designs molded into beautiful nature-friendly and eco-fabulous clothing. It chronicles and restores heirloom traditions from the heart of our villages and fashions them into contemporary tales. The label collaborates closely with artisans and helping them create a better livelihood.   The designer believes that - "Looking fabulous should feel great too"! Her motto drives her to create garments that support clean air, clean water, sustainability, ecological balance, and humanity. This PETA Approved label uses only natural fabrics and colors. Every single piece is handmade and handcrafted. The label works with delightful imperfections of the handwoven fabric, the beauty of natural colors with subtle flaws and the warmth of the human hands.