We’re in India! And spent our first week, back with the wonderful team who make your Velvet Jackets!
On arrival, we’re greeted with warm smiles and cups of chai! Oh how I’ve missed a good chai - sweet milky tea that’s been brewed with spices, it epitomises india for me.
Here, you stay in what’s called a "haveli" the traditional name for what translates to mansion! They’re all converted to hotels now, but hold the old charm of their vibrant days, with grand court yards often inside and balconies overlooking, flourishing gardens.
It’s late, peaceful, and now dark. I’m expecting a day of rest tomorrow but apparently with the rising sun, and the heat ebbing in, we’re launched straight into the action. Whisked off on scooters, we first visit the shop, then the warehouse, and finally where the magic happens. We meet the team again, and fabric discussions begin with the new product at hand. It’s exciting and everyone who’s there is enthused! We’re working with half the team as few are away celebrating festival time with their family. Which is wonderful!
For us, the main man is on the job, and his name - "The Master" Our pattern cutter extraordinaire! Who everyone affectionately looks too including the big boss, who respects the talent behind the operation. We all watch on in awe, as he whizzes together patterns for my new design ideas in no time! Adjustments here and there as suggested in a mix of Hindi and English from all parties. It’s a team effort and with new fabrics uncovered in my favourite room there’s potential for a few more to come together.
The Master: Pattern Cutter extraordinaire - in action.
After a long first day in the workroom, we wander out to the bazaar, the humidity hits you, going to take a little while to adjust! Like being in a sauna/steam room I notice everyone around cool as cucumbers in their jeans. Everyone’s used to the flow.
Speaking of flow, I’m up and into the town early to catch the crow, as we would say… but I’ve got it all wrong, shops and our owner in particular aren’t open yet! The morning is for gently waking and starting the day right, people take a walk, sit for chai with cousins and aunties before getting ready and finally making it to "open up" around 12 noon.
Yes "Indian timing" a little voice repeats in my head, followed by a sigh and reminder I could also do with slowing down. This pangs more as the team is even more sparse the following days. So we wander the bazaars, small shops billowing with fabric creations, cushions, bags, and jewellery.
(Chai sipped from tiny cups served in copper teapots)
There is rich heritage here from bygone times of Kings and Queens - The Maharajas empires spread far around these lands, and with their great riches, huge palaces were crafted. The people here have creativity in their blood and that was clear on my first tourist visit years ago. Ornate archways, mosaic mirror work, fine hand painting on all walls. And now it is translated into ceramics, clothing, silver and gold.
The cafes are up on the rooftops, where you can catch a glimpse of the lake, and slight breeze if your lucky. Baby monkeys also dance and play along the rooftops, it’s a wonderful past time, which lasted all of a day before we launched into another new project. Watch this space …
(Sunset views to mull over the days work)
Back to the work room after much discussion of linings and prints. Placing orders and mulling over button options. We hopefully have the first samples coming together tomorrow.
Which is ever so exciting!
Stay Tuned
Ahima 🪷