India has the widest and richest tradition of living skills in handmade textiles in the world.

Nimble fingers, deftly weaving threads into a myriad variety of textures and patterns. Cool cottons, so perfect for our hot climate, printed with dyes made of natural animal, vegetable and mineral sources. Sensuous silks, always acceptable, their richness associated with the aristocracy and ceremonial occasions. The toasty warmth of pashmina, also known as cashmere wool. The vibrant hues of tribal shawls, for both men and women. Exquisite embroideries with and without embellishments (mirrors, gems, beads). The infinite designs that ageless classic, the sari, takes.

Banarasi Brocades: Densely patterned silk saris, with more zari than silk visible in the fabric surface. They exhibit strong Mughal design influences, with intricate floral and foliate motifs. Though not originally so, they have become a popular choice for a wedding sari.

Couturiers in Milan and Paris call on the skills of Indian embroiderers.

Phulkaris and other embroideries also reflect the peculiar ethos of rural India when time was never at a premium. Phulkari of course is more than embroidery from the Punjab . It embodies the colorful aspirations of a people out to wring some joy from their uncertain lives. Phulkaris were made for different occasions and the mother or grandmother gave the most precious ones to her daughter on her wedding day.

asuti is fine single stitch from Karnataka, while kantha depicts rural landscape scenes using running stitch only in bright colors. The embroideries of the Kutch region in Gujarat are legion; especially their mirror studded embroidery. You can pick up these embroideries all over India on bags, skirts, shoes, duppattas, scarves and blouses.