How does Cinnabar preserve and celebrate Chanderi handloom?
Chanderi weaving is a generational craft and, for many families, their primary source of income. The only way to sustain these age-old traditions is through monetary support. By creating demand and investing in handcrafted products over mass-produced fashion, we can uplift the artisan community. It’s about mindful, slow consumerism that values exclusivity and quality, supporting art sans, and ensuring these traditions continue.
Can you describe the design philosophy behind Cinnabar?
Our design philosophy is instinctive and personal, driven by my mother and me. We create based on our own tastes, which makes Cinnabar stand out. We don’t mass-produce; we craft in small batches due to the nature of the loom work, which requires making six saris of the same pattern before switching threads. We incorporate customer feedback but maintain a consistent theme. The visual language may evolve, but the traditional process stays untouched.
What response have you received from the artisans in Chanderi?
Initially, we were strangers to the community, but over time, we built trust and now have a direct, transparent relationship. My mother manages all the coordination and payments herself, eliminating middlemen. My parents regularly visit Chanderi to stay connected and maintain open communication with the weavers. This transparency is appreciated by both the artisans and our customers.
What’s Cinnabar’s future?
What began as a passion project now has a clear path forward. We plan to launch our website.
