1001 nights: The Fabric of India exhibition

Silk, beautiful patterns, soft fabrics, interesting cuts, rich colors: Indian tradition in fabrics is huge. And you can feel again like a child in a fantastic world of princesses: it isn’t a genie in a bottle needed, but a visit to Victoria & Albert Museum, in London, to “The Fabric of India” exhibition. Over 200 objects illustrating the beautiful techniques used by Indian fabric makers are exposed in the V&A Museum, and they give us a panoramic image of the pattern tradition of India. Highlights if this exhibition, part of India Festival, include a sultan’s tent from 18 century, some sumptous historic costumes and dresses, to heirloom fabrics and cutting edge pieces of fashion (including some Manish Arora pieces form the latest collection). (Installation view of The Fabric of India at the V&A – pictured above)

The history of these Indian fabrics date back at least 6000 years. Centuries of global trade have been shaped by the export of Indian textiles and patterns, in demand around the world. Today, young designers are adapting traditional making techniques to create exciting new fashion, art and design for a global audience, giving India’s textile history a new relevance in the modern world.
The exhibition is open between 3^rd of October 2015 and 10^th of January 2016 at Victoria&Albert Museum, London, www.vam.ac.uk.

Installation view of The Fabric of India at the V&A

Ajrakh inspired jacket by Rajesh Pratap Singh, digitally printed linen, New Delhi; A Muslim lady holding a flower, watercolour and gold on paper, Mughal; Houndstooth sari by Abraham & Thakore, double ikat silk, Hyderabad

Photo: V&M Museum