An ODE To Homeland

In conversation with Sobha Vishwanath, co-founder of Weavers Village, where she speaks about the importance of sustainable fashion and Kerala’s advancement in it.

- Aiswarya John

It has been five years since Sobha Vishwanath and Sreeremya Sambath joined hands and founded Weavers Village with the aim of promoting the weavers’ community, and to revive the Kerala handlooms, particularly the pit looms which are an integral part of Kerala’s cultural heritage.

Under the conceptualisation of by these two dynamic women, the 150 year old property in Vazhuthacaud that was once home to litterateur C V Raman Pillai, is now tastefully done up in jewel tones, embellished with wicker stools and polished wooden furniture for an added ethereal semblance.

From designer wear, and upcycled fabric jewellery, to handicrafts, cotton cloth bags and handmade curiosities, the exquisite world of Weavers Village promises simplicity and elegance while being eco-friendly at the same time.

Walk us through the journey and tell us how the concept of Weavers Village was born. 

I was always into social work, with my grandmother being my biggest inspiration. It has always been my dream to be a designer, as well as a social entrepreneur. But I wasn’t able to pursue my passion for designing as the idea of moving so far away from home didn’t go down too well with my family. So, it was post my marriage that I got reintroduced to this passion. After visiting the weaving factory and being able to assess the processes firsthand, I realised that handloom was a dying art. That’s how I came up with the concept of Weavers Village.

What inspired you to launch your exclusive wellness clothing range – Bodha?