The history of Indian textiles is one of the oldest and arguably richest in the world – from raw cotton and silk, which the ancient Romans aptly called “woven winds”, to the traditional printing, dyeing and weaving techniques with exceptional detail that flourished in certain regions. The traditional kantha of the East, for example, is a centuries-old, pre-Vedic method of making patchwork fabric from rags. Punjab’s intricate hand embroidery technique called Subscribe emerged in the 15th century. From courtly splendor to religious worship, textiles formed the backbone of Indian culture and a thriving global trade system.
Today, this significant aspect of Indian cultural history has taken new forms, as contemporary formats, as a rich reference archive. The vibrant visual language of textiles resonates in modern design interpretations, from home décor and accessories to art and furniture. It is at this intersection that handcrafted clothing and home décor brand Abraham & Thakore – led by David Abraham, Rakesh Thakore and Kevin Nigli – positions itself with a new range of wallpapers, soft furnishings, bedding, ceramics, wall art and more that finds inspiration and celebrates the remarkable significance of Indian textile design and craftsmanship.
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In collaboration with Obeetee Carpets, A&T has launched a new range of handwoven carpets: A stab at the right time – The Jamun hand-knotted wool carpet Image: Courtesy of Obeetee Carpets -
The Kalrekha hand-knotted wool carpet by Abraham & Thakore Image: Courtesy of Obeetee Carpets -
As in the Sankhalata hand-knotted wool carpet, the collection is an ode to the cultural significance and rich history of Indian textiles Image: Courtesy of Obeetee Carpets
“We believe that design reflects the cultural environment in which it thrives, and Indian textiles, with their rich and diverse techniques and vocabulary, are one of the world’s most remarkable resources,” mention the Indian designers in an exclusive conversation with STIR. It was important to distill the complexity of these traditions into a streamlined and elegant aesthetic, breathing new life into ancient crafts and making life seamless with our rich history in an increasingly mass-produced and mechanized world.
Herein lay the seed of their inspiration to create home decor that highlights an element of local craftsmanship and can be enjoyed throughout the day. They imagined “how one could enjoy an element of craftsmanship over the first cup of coffee, a dinner at home with a few friends and during a meditative moment before retiring for the night… Deeply rooted in the traditional language of Indian craftsmanship and textiles, our unique design language embodies the essence of intricate techniques,” they reveal.
Anyone who has chanced upon A&T’s design offerings will be familiar with the brand’s instantly recognisable, distinctive style. Refined yet relaxed, modern yet enriched with cultural history, Abraham & Thakore’s strong and classic aesthetic identity has carved a niche for itself in the fashion and accessories design spaces. Basic principles of proportion, form and volume meet a clean colour palette of blocks and monochromes, lending precision to their works that strive to go back to basics and focus on what matters – as demonstrated by this new home collection.
“Black and white play a crucial role in this process because they provide clarity and purity. By cleansing the palette, these tones allow us to focus on what is essential,” they say.
Materiality is also central and guides the designers’ vision to ensure that each piece faithfully reflects the creative intent behind it. “Materiality is an essential part of textile products and shapes their essence. It determines the nature of the creation, dictates its form and conveys its expressive quality through carefully selected yarns, a carefully woven structure and thoughtful embellishments,” they explain.
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The new Abraham & Thakore range incorporates centuries-old techniques such as Bandhani from India’s rich textile heritage find contemporary reinterpretations as textile works of art Image: Courtesy of Abraham & Thakore -
The famous Bandhani print gives this series playful dynamism Image: Courtesy of Abraham & Thakore
An element of the handmade is ever-present throughout the product range. Soft and distinctly neutral table linens set the table, while ceramics highlight traditional Indian textile patterns. In collaboration with Obeetee Carpets – a heritage carpet design brand that immediately resonated with the concept at the heart of A&T’s new home creations: revered crafts such as Ikat And kantha Function on soft Tussar Fabrics for a selection that is full of sophisticated rugs, covers and cushions. Hanging on the walls is a series of striking creations that represent several traditional craft techniques combined with a unique, powerful motif – the point that is insignificant until it is not.
With intricate creative practices of the past carefully adapted to a contemporary palette, A&T’s new range yearns for modern environments that can be called home, bringing a gentle yet powerful touch to living spaces. When asked about their foray into the home décor space, the designers tell STIR: “(It) has always been an integral part of our collections since the brand’s inception. In fact, our first Abraham & Thakore collection was launched primarily commercially at The Conran Shop in London.” With this launch, they hope to extend the reach of their collection to both private and institutional settings, providing an evocative pause that enriches everyday life with cultural significance and pushing the boundaries of celebrating heritage in contemporary design.
