A fresh weave

Aimed at helping pandemic-affected Kutchi artisans connect with global customers, a platform combines traditional Bandhani, Ajrakh and Batik work with modern designs

A conversation on how to help artisans of Kutch who had been affected by the pandemic led to Kutchi Bazaar, co-founded by Sufiyan Khatri, an artist who practises the art of Ajrakh block printing, and Juned Khatri who brought technological expertise to the idea to create the platform. “With Kutchi Bazaar, we offer a marketplace to underprivileged local artisans, where they can directly sell their crafts to customers across the world. We realised that many ancient arts such as Ajrakh and Bandhani, need more attention from art lovers,” says Sufiyan. They aim to list every craft of Kutch on the platform and help craftsmen and women, ultimately hoping to impact the lives of lakhs of people.

The platform has items like sarees, suits, dupattas and stoles made using Bandhani, Ajrakh, Bhujodi and Batik work, along with furnishing products such as quilts, cushion covers and runners and accessories like leather bags, earrings and necklaces. The platform has more than 3,500 products at the moment with plans to add around 500 new products every month. “We shortlist products based on the craft. For example, if we need a Bandhani saree, we approach the top Bandhani artist and source their products.

As a manufacturer, we have a fair idea of quality. Most of the Ajrakh products are manufactured at our workshop in a village called Ajrakhpur. We have been shipping our products all over India and have seen a decent growth in the international market as well,” informs Juned. Their designs take current fashion trends into account.

Sufiyan Khatri

“Every year we have a batch of design students from NIFT or NID do their six-month internships with us. This way there is a flow of newer ideas and modern concepts,” adds Juned, explaining how the Ajrakh craft, initially used to make lungis or turbans, is now being used to make ladies’ garments and accessories too.

Juned Khatri

When shopping on the website, you will be able to learn about the material, style and history of the art. Most products are sustainable, and no two pieces are exactly alike. In keeping with the platform’s aim to give global exposure to local artists, the descriptions mention the names of the makers. We loved the designs of their vintage leather bags by artist Karan Bhoja Sanjot. They have just the right degree of quirk and can be used with both casual and semi-formal wear.

WHAT: Kutchi Bazaar
WHERE: https://www.kutchibazaar.com/
FOR: Starting at Rs 500

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