The Making of Brocade
Master weavers in the holy town of Benaras (now known as Varanasi) on the banks of the Ganges have kept the complex art of hand weaving (hath-karga) brocade alive over the centuries. Using several sets of needles that are arranged to rise and depress the threads irregularly across loom frames, these artisans carefully weave and place the silk and metal threads in delicate and intricate patterns.
The value of brocade is largely a result of the threads themselves and the difficulty in using them. Brocade threads are made from finely beaten metals tightly twisted around silken threads, requiring tremendous skill to manipulate while still maintaining the softness of the fabric. A weaver will often spend more than thirty hours crafting a single meter of fabric. Long ago, the threads in brocade were made from pure gold dipped in sterling silver making it even more challenging to weave.
Using the same techniques as the early weavers, a new generation of artisians continues to create exotic and colorful brocade. Along with the government of India, master weavers are creating special training centers in these historical weaving regions to ensure that the artistry and legacy of brocade is preserved. This commitment to quality and training improves upon the past by making today's brocades even softer, more colorful and unique than those of the past.
Kalpana's Collection uses authentic handcrafted India
brocades. The Jaggi's have complete oversight in the
Kalpana garment-creation process, from selection of
fabric, threads, trimmings, buttons, and interfacings
to the final garment construction. Fans of Kalpana's
Collection know that from the point of ordering, to
when they receive the beautifully boxed items, to day-to-day
wear, each and every garment and accessory will be delicately
crafted and carefully inspected. If there is ever a
concern or question, Kalpana and Ajay are always available
to the line's many devotees.
