Handwoven Saree
Rithihi: Exemplifying the handwoven saree with artisanal flair
If the core of Rithihi is understood and summed up in a single expression, you would be correct in saying ‘handwoven’. As an artisanal brand, we love and cherish the prospect of creating by hand and the handwoven saree remains our most treasured form for articulating this sentiment.
Born of an inspiring attraction
The story of handweaving begins in the Indus Valley civilization, where the fabrics fashioned were often exported to Rome, Egypt and China. It was born and has continued to be a self-reliant industry concentrated within villages, where once the raw material (cotton, silk or wool) is harvested and transformed into yarn by the local agricultural community, the entire crafting process becomes the weavers’ passionate endeavour.
It is this stamp of unique identity; the singular artisanal mark that introduces the spirit of a community, which makes handwoven sarees undeniable in their appeal. Every work tells us of a people, their land and the culture that binds them in oneness.
It is this sense of discovering the world through fabric (and sarees, of course) that led to Rithihi’s own birth.
Fitting an entire subcontinent (and region) into your wardrobe
The interpretations of the handwoven saree we typically love to feature are what the Indian subcontinent and the region of South-east Asia (Bangladesh) offers. By making connections and partnerships in a growing number, we have been able to present an eclectic array of artisanal sarees; from Kanchipurams to Benarasis, Ikats, Bhagalpuris and many more.
Overtime, some of these relationships with creators, artisans and artists have evolved to take us on to mutual paths of co-creation. The output that results from such collaborations are handwoven sarees that are absolutely authentic in their portrayal of the Rithihi identity, formed through and in holding the creator’s own, unique artisanal sensibility.
The Rithihi handwoven value proposition can be experienced across a kaleidoscope of weaves and designs, executed on a variety of cottons and silks as well as in-between textures. While our first and most cherished love is the handwoven saree, the affinity we have for the concept of handwoven has grown with time to also find appreciation for a truly beautiful range of artisanal shawls, ready-to-wear dress items and accessories.