Project

Heritage Textiles

Duration

8 Weeks

Year

2025

Lehrawa

A Heritage Textile: Leheriya Making Project.

About the project

To create a garment collection that draws inspiration from the saree’s fluidity and structure, using hand-done Leheriya in a way that highlights the craft's essence.

The focus is on thoughtful draping and form, allowing the craft to take center stage in contemporary silhouettes.

Craft Documentation

This research laid the foundation for my Heritage Textiles design project.

Through which I continued building upon the insights by engaging directly with the techniques and reinterpreting them through my own creative lens. I conducted my craft documentation on Leheriya and Mothra tie-dye traditions from Jaipur, under the mentorship of Dr. Badshah Miyan, a National Award-winning master dyer. The 10-day field study examined the craft through its traditional roots, technical processes, and artisanal expertise. The research also analyzed the socio-economic landscape and future prospects of the practitioners.

Project Brief

The project target is to understand and learn the authentic making process of a craft & the nuances associated with it. With this understanding, building a collection of designs that best contemporizes the craft without truly losing the authenticity; and making it relevant for today's time and age.

Craft Inspiration Board

Leherawa // Brand Study // NorBlackNorWhite

Design Direction

  • Organic patterns of Leheriya combined with sharp, structured or silhouettes.

  • Pushing the visual language into a more experimental, dramatic & luxury space.

  • Focus on highlighting the value of handcrafted textiles, not hiding them.

Target Audience

  • Upper middle class to elite

  • Movie or theatre costume

  • Admirers of authentic Indian craftsmanship

  • Appreciators slow fashion and conscious design

  • Seeking traditional aesthetics with a fresh twist

Silhouette Board

Colour Palette

Leherawa // Sketches // Scribbles & Collection

Leherawa // Sketches // Traditional Drapery & Experiments

Lehrawa

Leher(Wave)/Leheriya + Pehrawa (attire)

Craft Intervention

Leherawa // Craft Intervention // Dr. Badshah Miyan

Dr. Badshah Mian is an acclaimed Leheriya expert who comes from a respected lineage of traditional Rangrez, the master craftsmen of textile dyeing. With several years of experience working closely with the Ministry of Textiles, he has played an important role in supporting and sustaining India’s rich textile and handicraft traditions. He has established his own workspace within his home in a newly developed area of Jaipur city, where he continues to practice and preserve his craft. His private collection of heritage textiles is considered priceless and also includes several of his award-winning masterpieces.


Getting to visit Badshah Miyan multiple times has been a very cherished opportunity for me as a textile design student. Stepping into his home workspace was deeply inspiring, as it reflected generations of knowledge, skill, and dedication to the craft of Leheriya. I was especially privileged to see and study his private collection of heritage textiles, which holds rare and invaluable pieces. Viewing his award-winning masterpieces up close allowed me to better understand the depth of technique, precision, and artistic vision involved in traditional dyeing practices. The visit was both enriching and memorable, leaving a lasting impact on my understanding of textile heritage.

Leherawa // Sampling // Final Sketches

Leherawa // Sampling // Making Process

Leherawa // Sampling // Garment

Muse

Samruddhi

Photographer

Nandini Sand

Edited, Styled & Directed

Kanishka

Key Learning Experiences

  • Market Study

  • Existing Product Analysis

  • Craft Narratives

  • Leheriya Making (1 week training in Jaipur)

  • Working with Artisans & Master Dyer

  • Draping Materials

  • Material Procurement

Summary

The aim was to understand a traditional craft, the making process and market standing of it and translating the craft through my own contemporized lens.

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