At Omi Na-Na, we celebrate textiles, artistry, culture, and heritage and take pride in working closely with brands based in South Asia like NorBlack NorWhite, Pozruh, Mati and the Loom Art who all take pride in working closely with artisan communities to produce their collections. In this blog post, we will explore various crafts in India, such as hand-weaving, hand-embroidery, resist dyeing, natural dyeing and appliqué, and how they contribute to uplifting artisan communities, decolonising fashion, and fostering a sustainable relationship with nature.

Hand-Weaving: Threads of Tradition

Hand-weaving is a time-honoured craft in India. Artisans create beautiful textiles by carefully interlacing threads, often using organic or locally sourced materials on large hand-looms. It takes years to master this art and the fabric that is produced is often thought of as heirloom worthy, that should be cherished and passed from one generation to the next. These crafts empower rural communities and sustain ancient skills. By promoting hand-woven textiles, we aim to support artisans' livelihoods economically which in turn serves to empower rural communities and sustains ancient skills. By working with partners who are also invested in platforming this craft, we slow down the fast fashion cycle, focusing on the quality of clothes made, rather than the quantity.

Hand-Embroidery: Stitching Stories

Hand-embroidery is like a story told with a needle and thread. Every motif, colour, and stitch holds a special meaning, reflecting the artisan's cultural heritage and their connection to the earth. By supporting hand-embroidery, we keep these stories alive and provide a source of livelihood for countless skilled craftspeople, just like the Alysa Dress, which beautifully showcases their artistry and the cultural narratives they bring to life.

Natural Dyeing: Earth's Pigments

Many designers we partner with use different natural dyeing techniques such as resist dyeing to create interesting and unique patterns. These methods often use plant-based dyes, which are not only environmentally friendly but also result in unique, earthy hues. By supporting these techniques, we honour the rich Indian tradition of working harmoniously with nature to create stunning textiles. A perfect example of this eco-friendly approach is our Cloverfield Top, showcasing the exquisite results these techniques can achieve.

Appliqué: Stitching Together Communities

Appliqué, or the art of sewing one fabric onto another, is a skill passed down through generations. Our designers often use this technique to create visually impactful collections which are meant to stand out from the crowd. Two bestselling examples at Omi Na-Na which showcase this technique perfectly are the Lina Dress and Wascheck Jacket. By supporting this craft, we help to provide a platform for marginalised communities to shine and contribute to the preservation of their cultural traditions. 

Incorporating Indian crafts into your wardrobe is not just a style choice; it's a conscious decision to support artisan communities, decolonise fashion, and promote sustainable practices. Embracing these traditional crafts ensures that the rich tapestry of India's cultural heritage remains vibrant and relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Get inspired with our handcrafted collection here at Omi Na-Na.