I can’t think of a more fascinating country than India, where the culture is so fully and vividly displayed. Walking the streets is like observing a parade of Indian fashion, a kaleidoscope of beautiful patterns and vibrant colors. The colors of India are truly exceptional.
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Flowing combinations of red, yellow, pink, orange, green, and blue fabrics fill the air, each color signifying either purity, prosperity, fertility, peace, spirituality, healing, or wisdom. Black and white are rarely worn, a stark contrast with countries in the Middle East.
I could have easily spent all of my time exploring the streets and shopping venues of India, especially in Jaipur, because it seemed that around every corner and within every storefront, a beautiful fabric or textile was on display.
This artisanal heritage is due to the fact that many fabrics in India are handmade using regional textile designs and traditional weaving, spinning, dyeing, and patterning techniques.
One such patterning technique, Indian woodblock printing, involves transferring patterns carved into wood blocks onto textiles, such as cotton, linen, and silk. If there are several colors in a given pattern, the cloth is typically printed entirely with the first color, allowed to dry, and printed with subsequent colors in the same manner.
I decided to try my hand at the multi-color woodblock printing technique, and the time, precision, and discipline required is tremendous.
And that’s why India is textile heaven. So, when visiting India, make sure to leave time for shopping, and if visiting Jaipur, check out the following places to shop.
JEWELRY
Gem Palace, M. I. Road, Jaipur, Tel: +91 141 2374175
Johari Bazar, Johari Bazar Rd, Tel: +91 141 2565 844
INDIAN FASHION
Hot Pink Jaipur, Narain Singh Road, Jaipur, Tel: +91 141 5108932
Anohki, Todi Ramzanipura, Jaipur, Tel: +91 141 3987100
RUGS
Jal Mahal Textiles and Carpets, 8, Deshera Kothi, Jaipur, Tel: +91 141 263 0995
HANDICRAFTS
Jeypore Souvenirs, Amer Road opposite Maharani Chattri, near Hotel Park Regis, Jaipur, Tel: +91 98290 60276
