From Fabric to Finish: The Heart of Handmade Fashion
September 9TH, 2024
MarketPlace garments are handmade from the start, from the intricate fabric printing to the detailed hand embroidery. Here, we explore the making of the Geetanjali Dress and the Amina Dress, where fashion beautifully intertwines with tradition.
Kalamkari is a traditional art of fabric printing from southern India, kept alive by dedicated artisans who use age-old techniques and natural dyes. MarketPlace is proud to offer authentic Kalamkari fabrics. The process is meticulous, involving days or weeks of preparation for natural dyes and painstaking fabric treatment. Once ready, the fabric is hand-printed using carved blocks, ensuring that every garment is a piece of history.
After the printed fabric reaches the MarketPlace office in Mumbai, it undergoes a thorough inspection to ensure color and print accuracy. Production samples are then created, setting the foundation for the entire process. Once these samples pass approval, skilled cutters meticulously cut the fabric using paper patterns, carefully planning to minimize waste. Although we repurpose small leftover pieces (Chindis) into new designs, minimizing waste still requires a high level of expertise.
Each garment's components are then bundled up and passed on to the seamstresses. Even with precise cutting, they keep a close eye on measurements, checking their work against detailed garment specs. Once sewn, each piece is then meticulously reviewed by fellow artisans, ensuring every detail is perfect.
Next, the garments are passed on to embroidery artisans, who take the garments home. This allows them to balance their craft along side their other household responsibilities. After the embroidered pieces are returned, the group thoroughly inspects and irons the garments before sending them off to the trained quality control team. Cooperative supervisors are also tracking the number of completed garments to ensure fair and accurate wages for every artisan.
Before heading to the United States, the garments are then sent to be inspected again by artisans trained in quality control. Meticulous customs paperwork is also prepared to ensure smooth compliance with US regulations--a process we've mastered over the past 40 years.
Beyond printing, sewing, and embroidery, a tremendous amount of unseen work goes into maintaining our high standards. Each piece represents the skill and dedication of the incredible women artisans who craft them, and when the boxes are finally ready, they carry the pride of many hands and hearts.
