S.A.L.T (Sustain. Act. Live. Transform.) Stories, an initiative that liaises with weavers and craftspeople working with organic cotton and natural dyes, will be hosting a three-day exhibition in Hyderabad’s Craft Council of Telangana premises, from June 17 to 19. Handwoven and handspun textiles and garments for men, women and children, with a few other artisanal products, will be showcased.
This is the third edition of S.A.L.T. Stories, after events in Bengaluru and Chennai. The Hyderabad edition will focus on labels that use natural dyes. Mahima Thangappan, coordinator of the event, reveals that 11 of the nearly 25 labels that are a part of the India Handmade Collective (IHMC), use natural dyes. Look out for brands such as Blue Lotus, Porgai, KASKOM, Magan Khadi, MGGSS, Nature Alley, Khamir, Tula Organic Clothing, Gram Sewa Mandal and Weaverbird.
What is the IHMC? During the first lockdown in 2020, there was a growing conversation on the need to step up eco-conscious practices. Ironically, it was a testing time for artisans working with organic cotton and natural dyes. It was the case of the survival of the fittest, with those who were adept with e-commerce practices managing to stay afloat. The rest had to wait till the markets revived. In November 2020, a group of like- minded individuals working with artisan clusters formed the IHMC.
