The students of Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design – Batch 2019, JD Institute Bangalore visited Central Cottage Industries Emporium for Indian Crafts as part of their Fashion & Cultural Studies Module on 20th September 2019. The purpose of the visit was to educate the students about the finest crafts of India along with the need to preserve the traditional craftsmanship and skill of the country. (https://goldchannel.net)

The Emporium was founded 60 years ago with a purpose to promote and market Indian Handloom and Handicraft. It has proved beneficial to the artists, artisans and craftsmen along with providing them with direct access to the market, in turn securing their future. The Emporium houses sculptures, paintings, artifacts, metal ware, woodcraft, pottery, stoneware and marble craft, genuine silver, carpets, furniture, furnishings, home linen and décor, sarees, garments, accessories, , craft articles, herbal products etc. Each product personifies their state of origin.

In order to get a better understanding of the products on offer, the students interacted with the staff of the store and inquired about the process, make and the challenges that are endangering the craft alongwith the artists. The following are the observations of the students as per their analysis of what they saw and their interaction with the store staff.

The students observed patchwork and appliqué work on garments, furnishings, bags etc.; authentic Pashmina shawls from Kashmir made of goat mane which is considered expensive compared to mixed fabrics. There were marbles from Agra, Cashmere carpets and Amson Brass from Moradabad in UP. Terracotta pot made from red clay and rich in iron content alongwith silk and cotton carpets from Pakistan, Nepal, China and India. The hand painted Kalamkari paintings and figures from Andhra Pradesh are made of natural colours obtained from vegetables. The students also learnt of two types of Kalamkari – Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam. Earrings, bracelet,etc. and puja items made of Silver Filgree alongwith Blue Pottery. Woodwork Furniture made from redwood or rosewood, shem wood and white wood brought from Jodhpur, alongwith small items or décor items from Jaipur.

Apart from the various handicraft products, the emporium also offers value-added services like corporate gifting, interior designing services, export, packing & shipping facilities, exclusive gift wrapping, ATM & Foreign Exchange counters, custom tailoring, and many other services to make a complete shopping experience in its Emporia.

The traditional handicrafts and handloom of our country are part of our heritage and this also led to its incorporation into high fashion goods. The field study was instrumental in educating the students about the array of products and goods from across the country.