From Loosely Woven Gauze to Chiffon-like Drape: Craft Innovation at Sarangpur

This paper aims to create a symbiosis between the designers and weavers’ group to stimulate the development and preservation of a local craft in a sustainable and commercially viable way. Sarangpur is a small town nestled in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Sarangpur is where handloom chiffon, a rare weaving-based craft is produced. The study explores the possibilities of collaborations with designers and artisans to unearth new opportunities for a local craft. These collaborations would then further contribute to innovative products for market sale. The design team has been constantly experimenting and innovating, especially with modern colours, to understand the usability of new color combinations that could be applied to the craft to make the colour palette more interesting. To research the possibilities of a craft and design alliance, a project study was conducted, where local artisans and designers worked together to create new product concepts. As a result of the alliance, five design and marketing concepts were proposed to expand this magnificent craft into contemporary markets. Local craft is a reflection of the relationship between humans and their environment within their historical, cultural, and social contexts. This study proposes a craft and design alliance to form the basis of a new approach for local craft development and an unending process of creating new products. As a result, the knowledge gained through this activity strongly suggests that combining concepts and ideas, embodies or reinvents new designs in craft-based products thus presenting more creative and enticing styles in craft. Designers can play a catalytic role in facilitating the propagation of local craft knowledge into national and international market. This can foster local craft industry and empower artisans to further yield better returns for their own innovations. This paper highlights the value of the alliance between craft and design as a mutual learning mechanism, where both sides can exchange knowledge and enhance their professional capabilities.

local weaves, alliance, design concept, redefining culture

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