IKAT

An astoundingly refined craft, lkat is a dual technique that entails both weaving and dyeing. Here, the yarn is resist dyed prior to weaving the fabric. Once woven on the loom, the piece is dyed, sometimes repeatedly, to reveal a final fabric resplendent with the colourful motifs.

Design and Innovation

  • When Gaurang began working in Patan, he encountered resistance from the weavers—keepers of a centuries-old craft—who were hesitant to move beyond their traditional design vocabulary. Yet, the sheer beauty and historical richness of the technique demanded commitment, not compromise.

    The first year was spent building trust, with Gaurang choosing to work strictly within the confines of traditional motifs and colours. In the following year, subtle innovation began—new colour combinations were introduced within familiar patterns. Since Patan weavers traditionally dye their own yarns using a limited range of dyes, this required a gentle yet purposeful shift.

    New dye colours were sourced and introduced. Expert dyers from Varanasi were brought in to train the weavers in the art of mixing and creating more nuanced hues. In addition, artisans were sent to Natural Dyeing centres to deepen their understanding of traditional, sustainable dyeing methods. Today, they work with natural indigo, madder red, turmeric yellow, and flame orange, lending a timeless, earthy elegance to each saree.

    By the fourth year, Gaurang began introducing original designs, developed through a dedicated effort to understand the unique graphing system used in Patan's weaving style. An in-house artist was trained specifically in this technique to translate contemporary concepts into intricate graph patterns.

    Today, Gaurang’s Patan sarees are a confluence of legacy and innovation. Each piece embodies the soul of the region, woven with astonishing intricacy and imbued with a contemporary spirit. These sarees are more than garments—they are heirlooms, cherished additions to a bridal trousseau and enduring symbols of India’s textile brilliance.