At a wedding in one of India’s biggest industrialist families in 2019, 80 intricately embroidered frames depicting Lord Krishna and Radha in a scenic setting were gifted to guests. Not many know but these were courtesy Khushi Shah, founder of apparel brand Shanti Banaras. A segue from their usual offerings of handlooms and textiles, the Banaras-based brand says this is the biggest order of their latest venture: hand embroidered Pichwai tapestries. “When we displayed these pieces in our Delhi store that launched last year, we got orders from many, including NRIs. As a result of our work with a few clients helping them furnish their homes with handwoven fabrics, we decided to begin our own home line of hand-embroidered artworks,” says Khushi, of the new range crafted by artisans from Benaras.
Zardozi meets Swarovski
The collection of five hand-embroidered artworks that are currently on display have been crafted in coloured silk — a 170 colours of threads to be precise. “The borders have zardozi work and velvet in the corner. Further, we have used Swarovski and embellished it with various jewels to complete the look.” The artworks, she says, are going to be a continued offering by the brand.
