Mosaic of heritage

Briefly lost amidst the many exuberant crafts of India, Appliqué is making a dynamic comeback with a global appeal. Here’s how these leading designers have championed the art of appliqué with a contemporary twist.

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Over the years, appliqué work has become a signature element of your eponymous brand. What inspired you to incorporate this technique in your designs?

From the very beginning, we embraced appliqué embroidery as a way to repurpose leftover fabric and minimise waste. To my surprise, many brides were open to wearing lehengas crafted from scraps. What started as a sustainable choice soon evolved into our visual identity. Collection after collection, we focused on refining our techniques - both to honour its identity and to meet the growing demand.

How do you balance traditional craftsmanship with modern design elements?

Appliqué is at the heart of our brand's visual language, and we've always seen it as a canvas to push creative boundaries. While traditional handwork techniques like aari and zardosi remain timeless, we intentionally layer them with our signature appliqué to create something unexpected. The key lies in balance - our large appliqué motifs serve as the focal point, while intricate hand-embroidery enriches and complements the design. In our India Modern category, especially, this harmony comes alive through contemporary silhouettes that carry forward artisanal legacy in a way that feels distinctly fresh and forward.

What is the USP of the craft seen in your work?