Dharki's luxe handloom textiles debut at Mumbai's iconic Mélange store with innovative designs

Dharki, a luxury handloom textile brand hailing from Varanasi, has expanded its retail presence to Mumbai's renowned store, Mélange. The brainchild of designer Brijesh Gupta, Dharki seamlessly integrates tradition with a contemporary design philosophy. Collaborating with skilled artisans from West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, the brand specializes in crafting a diverse range of saris, adhanas, and dupattas.

The latest collection from Dharki introduces patterns and textures through traditional jacquard weaving techniques, marking a departure from conventional designs, as highlighted by Gupta. The brand's ethos revolves around striking a harmonious balance between heritage and innovation.

Spearheaded by Sangita Sinh Kathiwada, the owner of Mélange, the decision to retail Dharki's creations from the iconic Mumbai store is aimed at broadening the brand's reach. The store itself has undergone a revamp to align with Dharki's identity, featuring interiors inspired by the architectural splendor of central Indian havelis. The color palette, comprising taupe, Indian rose, and chalk, enhances the overall aesthetic appeal.

Gupta emphasizes presenting traditional designs requires a delicate equilibrium between preserving heritage and embracing innovation. He suggests that brands can infuse a bold, modern edge into their designs by enlarging or abstracting traditional elements. Additionally, employing a muted or unconventional color palette can contemporize designs, rendering them more relevant to current trends and tastes.