Handcrafted Shawls, Chadars & Dupattas: Heritage Textile Wraps
Each piece is a quiet conversation between global heritage textiles, from Laotian hemp to Kutch cotton, transformed into wearable art.
This chadar is a confluence of tribal weaves, blending hand-spun organic Kala cotton from Gujarat with vibrant Kutchi embroidery. It also incorporates a treasured hemp weave from Laos and Saput Poleng cotton from Bali.
Another view of the tribal chadar, showcasing its beautiful drape against a backdrop of restored art. The piece is finished with a custom trim made from my ever-growing collection of waste fabric.
A close-up detail of the chadar's patchwork border, where you can see the different textures of Kutchi embroidery, Balinese cotton, and Laotian hemp coming together.
The reverse side of the chadar reveals a different personality, highlighting the striped patterns of the Laotian hemp and the solid color blocks of the Kala cotton.
This two-toned, reversible shawl features a delicate Kalamkari print on one side and rich, solid Kala cotton on the other. The borders are a vibrant patchwork of Kutch embroidery and upcycled studio waste.
The shawl draped to reveal its dynamic, asymmetrical design. The colorful patchwork trim adds a playful contrast to the earthy tones of the Kalamkari and the deep blue of the cotton.
The reverse side of the shawl, showing how the solid blue Kala cotton provides a calming backdrop to the intricate Kalamkari panel. This piece offers two distinct looks in one.
A full view of the shawl worn as a poncho, demonstrating its versatility. The combination of prints and textures creates a statement piece that is both artful and functional.
A detail shot of the Kutch and Laos wrap, draped to show the rich rust color of the Kala cotton and the intricate, 30-year-old 'Tin Sinh' textile fragment from Luang Prabang.
The wrap displayed on a table, allowing a clear view of the complex Naga motif woven into the vintage Laotian silk. The border is a handmade lace trim created from salvaged scraps.
About Artisanal Shawls, Chadars & Dupattas
Every wrap is born from a dialogue between disparate materials—perhaps a thirty-year-old Laotian tribal silk fragment meeting hand-spun Kala cotton from Gujarat. I do not create for trends, but to honor the histories of these fabrics. The trimmings you see are not generic; they are zero-waste borders I construct from studio cuttings, ensuring every thread finds its place in the final composition.
A Confluence of Heritage
My work centers on the belief that textiles carry the stories of the people who made them. Whether it is a vintage Tin Sinh textile fragment from Luang Prabang or hand-spun Kala cotton from the arid landscapes of Gujarat, I seek out materials with a past. By bringing these disparate textures together, I aim to create a visual dialogue where cultures—be it Balinese Ikat or Banarasi zari—can chat on fabric.
The Process of Reimagining
Each shawl, chadar, or dupatta is a study in texture and contrast. I utilize a patchwork technique that is both a design choice and a philosophy. By layering, joining, and stitching, I create garments that are reversible and dynamic. You might find a delicate Kalamkari print on one side of a shawl, while the reverse reveals solid, earthy Kala cotton.
I finish these pieces with traditional hand-embroidery methods like Zardozi and Kantha running stitches. For the borders, I construct custom trims from my studio waste, ensuring that the embellishments—cowrie shells, mirror work, or scrap lace—are integrated into the garment rather than added as an afterthought.
Caring for Your Textile
These pieces are meant to be worn and cherished. Because they utilize vintage fragments and hand-spun natural fibers, they require gentle handling. I recommend dry cleaning for these wraps to preserve the integrity of the Zardozi and the delicate tribal weaves. If you wish to incorporate a family heirloom or a fabric from your own collection into a new wrap, I am happy to guide you through the process of restoration and reconstruction.
Chandan Dubey
I am a storyteller who works with textiles. My studio in Worli is where I layer histories—mixing Balinese Ikat, Laotian hemp, and Banarasi zari to create wraps that carry a soul.
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