Cloud People’ invoke a celestial spell, bringing winged messengers and unearthly spirits – mythical symbols of hope and guardianship. Through the supernatural, they embody our ambitions of flight and transcendence, says Sanjay Garg.

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Requiring close appreciation, minute collection details reveal soft feathers and scalloped clouds of angels in flight, made through handcrafted Chikankari on Bengal mul, zardozi and handwoven brocade.

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Originating in the Awadh region, Chikankari is thought to consist of approximately 36 stitches which create works of relief, shadow and drawn thread. Its limited use as a decorative element at times privately facing the skin – and as daraz, a joinery of two separate pieces of cloth, can be both functional and decorative. ‘Cloud People’ revisits Chikankari, which traditionally features florals and paisley motifs with a vocabulary that explores new interpretations of its techniques.

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