On the blog today, Founder – Designer Saanya Khatwani of Msafiri, Ahmedabad shares her story.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Originally from Ahmedabad, I graduated from Institute of Apparel Management, Gurgaon majoring in Apparel Design and Merchandising and took up all sorts of design projects for a while- from interiors to styling, couture to pret, making shoes and bags. I was fortunate to work with some of the designers I have, like Rugberry- a carpet and home furnishing brand that has its roots in Banaras and exports to Ikea, pottery barn and the likes. I also worked in the design and merchandising team for Gauri and Nainika, and freelanced as an interior and fashion stylist with a few ecommerce platforms.

Why is making so important to you?

I grew up watching my grandmother and mother handcraft outfits for all the kids in the house – I was inspired by their passionate love for detail.  I was inclined towards design ever since despite being a science student in school. I adore textiles and all things handmade, and I’ve loved travelling, discovering, and experimenting with all kinds of weaves, prints, natural dyes and hand embroideries across the country.One of the things Msafiri means is traveler and that was part of the inspiration that led to the brand. I wanted to travel to find and cherish the skills and textile traditions that present all over India. Every collection we work on is based on our travel stories to a new place with its unique craftsmanship and aesthetic. Making was really important to me so I can focus on ethical and sustainable ways of production and sourcing from craftsmen, and make pieces that resonate the love that went into them.

How did you begin Msafiri and how has it evolved over the years?

Msafiri means traveler, was borne from the love of travel and art. We seek to explore, to cherish and to renew. With cultural influences from a multitude of crafts and textiles, we create pieces that resonate with the love that they were made from, and hope they stay with you for a long time.

At Msafiri, we build ethical and sustainable relationships with the weavers and artisans that we meet on our expeditions, and ensure zero waste by recycling leftover patterns and trimmings into embellishments or accessories. We try to elevate the quality and craftmanship of our textile heritage by exploring and finding balance between the old and the new. Msafiri is traditional weaving and printing as well as contemporary designs. It’s as much sarees, blouses, and dupattas, as it is skirts, culottes, tunics or dresses.

What is your personal favourite pick from Msafiri right now and Why?

My personal favourite is the Angarkha/Cape. It’s handwoven organic cotton and is an extremely versatile piece. For me personally, a piece of clothing is long lasting if it’s a classic or it’s versatile. Something that you can pick after a couple of years and still feel like wearing. This Angarkha can be styled as a kurta, a cape over pants-top or a sleeveless dress, or can be worn as a dress by itself. It can be worn on the beach or can be worn for a traditional occasion, depending on how you style it.

What are you displaying at the By Hand, From The Heart?

We are showcasing two collections borne from two of our travels across the country.

Msafiri X Bhuj – This collection was borne from our explorations in arid Gujarat, a haven for handwoven artistry. Each piece is made from sustainable organic cotton, each piece flows and breathes. They’re perfect for everyday comfort wear, but versatile enough to be styled for home, work or play. The cotton used – Kala cotton, also known as ‘Old world cotton’ – is a purely rain-fed crop with no use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

Msafiri X Bengal – Msafiri X Bengal is breezy handwoven khadi cotton, fine handwoven linens and khadi mulberry silk. It’s black and white with subtle pops of color, like the streets of old Calcutta.

Its not just different places, it’s different times captured through the art of clothing.

What is a typical working day, like.

A typical work day involves researching craft clusters and traditional textiles, sampling and designing keeping in mind comfort and versatility. Making sure we produce with minimum cutting waste, and convert leftovers into accessories or embellishments.

Meet the Maker @
By Hand From The Heart Makers Market 24th Edition
Friday – Saturday
24th – 25th August, 2018
10:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m
Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park, (old Adyar Gate Hotel)
132, T.T.K Road, Alwarpet, Chennai – 600018, India.

Follow us on : Facebook Event Page | Facebook | Instagram | Blog