You thought it was a nostalgic reminder of the movie of yore – Sahib Bibi aur Gulam. No, that is the name of the catalogue launched together with the exhibition of the same name showcasing the rich collection of Baluchari with TAPI. TAPI stands for the Textile Arts of the People of India, has been set up by Praful and Shilpa Shah of Garden Mills to showcase their private collection of textiles amongst other things. Their collection of textiles is stupendous and several exhibitions have been held at the National Museum, Delhi. Notably has been the first on traded textiles from India, the Pichwais and later one on Parsi Gara embroidery. Each exhibition is accompanied by a detailed catalogue written by eminent textile experts and detailing each of the exhibits. It is the detailing of the exhibits as a catalogue which opens to textile enthusiasts, revivalists and those in the trade, the sheer design potential of them. This book cum catalogue has been written by Eva Maria Rakob, Shilpa Shah...
The word Malai brings to mind, the creamy part of milk. It is eaten with gusto and is considered a delicacy in some parts of the country. So what does the same word Malai have to do with vegan leather, you wonder. Why is it called so? The reason becomes apparent when you discover that it is actually a kind of malai like formation which forms the base of the vegan leather…yes and it is edible though not tried!!! Innovations in textiles is the buzzword today. The thrust of all research to come out with eco friendly textiles which impact the environment little. The objective to recycle, reduce and reuse. There have been several interesting innovations, one that has garnered a lot of attention in the recent past is vegan leather made from coconut water with a very interesting brand name – Malai and the company called Malai Design and Material Pvt. Ltd. or Malai biomaterials. The winner of the Lakme Circular Design Challenge award. The product and the journey of the founders is...