How A Homegrown Brand Is Reviving Assamese Handloom Textiles Through Modern Silhouettes

Textiles are the silent architects of fashion, wielding significant influence through both materiality and sensory output. In India, certain fabrics transcend mere garments, becoming statements of cultural identity. Khadi, with its hand-spun, handwoven character, and silk, exuding opulence in its luxurious threads, are prime examples. These textiles embody narratives intricately woven into the cultural practices, heritage, and lifestyles of their regions. Similarly, homegrown brand Ura Maku employs modern silhouettes cast to a fresh light on Assamese handloom techniques, showcasing the timeless beauty of the region's handcrafted fabrics.

The brand's name itself carries cultural significance, with 'Ura' translating 'to fly' in Assamese, and 'Maku' representing the shuttle used in weaving. This symbolism encapsulates Ura Maku's ethos - a fusion of soaring aspirations and a deep-rooted connection to cultural values. Ura Maku is a pioneer in reviving local crafts from Northeast India and selected regions in central and western India. The fabrics used in their creations are exclusively handwoven by skilled artisans, emphasizing the brand's commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship.

Manjushree Saikia, who hails from the upper valleys of Assam, draws inspiration from her upbringing surrounded by Assam textiles and folk cultures. Her curiosity about diverse cultures and crafts led her to the world of textiles and eventually to fashion. In 2018, Ura Maku was born as a response to Saikia's realization of the responsibility designers bear towards Indian artisans and society. The brand stands proudly alongside the sustainable movement initiated by the fashion revolution, promoting ethical practices and mindful product-making processes.

Ura Maku's aesthetic is characterized by simplicity, sharp cuts, and timeless dressing. The brand's timeless power suits and tailored clothes effectively showcase the handwoven and handcrafted textiles in Northeastern heritage, without which, as the brand emphasizes, fashion would be mere imagination. Ura Maku is a vital part of the sustainable movement dedicated to reviving India's handloom industry. The look is a harmonious blend of simplicity, driven by a focus on shape, texture, and proportion, resulting in a stylish, timeless, and futuristic clothing line that pays homage to India's rich textile traditions.

Follow Ura Maku here.

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