House of Gharats – Spinning an Indian yarn
There’s a common, Indian thread binding these designers, these collectors and curators of Indian accents that are unspooled over cups of kadak chaiserved with hot scones dotted with clotted cream. London has always been the playground of the rich and famous and over the years, as many Indians made this city their home, they began mapping their migrant journey in a novel way. London-based Varana, House of Gharats and Ekta Kaul are English in their sensibility but Indian in their execution of the modern narrative. Their clothes and accessories celebrate where they come from but are not hung up on showcasing the country in the same tired fashion, using bling as the easiest tool of seduction. Similarly, Alpana Bawa is a design entrepreneur whose store in New York has been popular for three decades now. Often referred to as the queen of colour, her clothes and accessories are often inspired by India yet reflect a refined, urban sensibility. These designers are giving the ‘made in India’ tag a new impetus as they chart a new course for Indian fashion.
House of Gharats was born out of the love of living an artful life with purpose and is a design house fusing cultures and blurring the lines between art and fashion, producing a delightful approach to everyday dressing and living. The designs are timeless objects that can be passed down the generations. Founder and designer Neishaa Gharat says, “Today, being a designer is allencompassing, from being a voice for Indian crafts globally to designing for House of Gharats collections, to designing for social change and creating a sustainable future for craftsmen.” Her first collection was called Uprooted, where she expressed her notions of living in a globalised world while still feeling rooted through her work.
USP “Textiles is where our story begins; that for me has been amazing in terms of bringing together of different people and cultural contexts, all unified through the language of textiles,” says Gharat. Design with purpose motivates the brand and there is an attempt to create pieces that tell a story.Product Range “We work with crafts that are living traditions. We wish to bring the focus back to the makers and the skills. Our designs tell a story of interweaving of cultures and social changes. It’s a fascinating intersection of design, culture, craft and technology,” says Gharat. The brand produces a range of ready-to-wear and accessories for both men and women, tableware, textiles and jewels, all made using traditional Indian skills.
The Inspiration “In today’s globalised market I am fascinated by the interplay of my janmabhoomiand karmabhoomi. The traditional uncut cloth, the saree, has always fascinated me for its timeless beauty and I am keen that we continue to revel in this rich textile heritage of India but find new expressions. I am finding my own story through the myriad global design influences, living in London and constantly exploring my Indian roots.”
Design Aesthetic The clothes are somewhere between classic and nonconformist and there is an undeniable appreciation for tradition. The Indian influence can be felt through the designs and choice of textiles.