Looms of luxury

From jacquard cashmere to artisanal alpaca blends, textiles as heirlooms or work of art are all the rage this celebration season, finds Namrata Sharma

- Namrata Sharma

From the softness of hand-brushed cashmere to the iridescent sheen of silk velvet, the revival of fine textiles is transforming how Indian homes are expressing refinement this festival season.

Material matters Walk into any finely appointed residence in Delhi or a sea-facing penthouse in Mumbai, and you'll likely find upholstery that tells a story. Think sofas wrapped in hand-dyed Belgian linen, armchairs in cashmere-lurex jacquard, or cushions layered in alpaca wool and silk blends. The discerning buyer is seeking textures that are both visually appealing and weave a unique narrative. Natural fibre fabrics of the artisanal variety are in high demand.

High-end carpet manufacturers like Carpet Cellar and Jaipur Rugs are witnessing a revival of fibres like mohair, hand-spun silk, and sustainably harvested wool — each picked not merely for their looks but also for how they wear, interact with light, and feel against the skin.