Sustainable Craft Design Systems for Handloom Weavers

Abstract

The winds of change are often blown by forces of nature like draught, famine, floods, earthquakes, and deadly pandemics which displace the craft communities from their native lands for livelihood. Despite this the handloom sector has suffered severe setbacks in the past decades and has struggled to cope with them. The paper aims to study the handloom craft design system of India, recognizing the strategies to strengthen and develop sustainable craft design system for handloom weavers. This exploratory paper is based on a review of the literature and observations. Case studies of the design interventions, craft study and chronology, at various handloom craft clusters are analyzed to understand the impact on the handloom craft design system, the transition from physical to digital retail that has penetrated the handloom weaving communities, government, and NGO organizations’ support and nature of funding models involved. Craft design education and consumer awareness would increase sensitivity to changing markets scenarios. Communication about the textile process and authenticity is important to encourage the consumers to make mindful choices and support authentic handloom textiles which are integral to slow fashion. The system-based approach for sustainable craft design is essential to bring wholistic and value-based strategies for resurgent handloom weaving communities.

Keywords:

• urban migration
• makers’ movement
• artisan communities
• craft education
• slow fashion
• craftpreneurship
• revival
• Kodiyala

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Vaibbhavi Pruthviraj Ranavaade

Dr Vaibbhavi P is a proven leader in Design academics and international collaborations at institute level. Her diverse research experience in the area of Semiotics of fashion, Indian fashion system, Slow fashion side of sustainable fashion, varied applied research for design projects. Co-founder and principal designer of slow fashion label “Vaibbhavi P.” She has presented papers at international conferences and published research in refereed journals. Her doctoral research with the Title “A Semiotic study of the Indian Sari” has garnered lot of interest in the academic community as well as the Industry. The study focuses on the non-verbal communication through the sari as well as its significance in contemporary fashion scenario and changing narratives. Professionally she offers expertise in developing successful growth strategies by training both learners and team members through curriculum development and skill building. Highly motivated professional adept at multitasking to achieve individual and organizational goals. Committed to excellence in the field of higher design education with student experience at the core. Known for creating dynamic strategies that engage all stakeholders and thereby spearheading the competition. Working philosophy is the convergence of an outward outlook and inward focus for constant growth. #PauseforFashion [email protected], [email protected]