Behind the Seams

The Saree Crafting Journey

Travel has always been an all consuming passion of mine. Exploring the rich heritage of the many vibrant corners of the world, and even our country, has always been profoundly fulfilling.

During my travels in India, I found myself magnetically drawn to the beautiful textiles adorned and sold by the warm and welcoming locals of the various cultural sects of the country, which celebrated their individuality and authenticity. 

Every thread spoke of a unique narrative, offering a glimpse into the tapestry of India’s diversity. 

Driven by my love for fashion and the belief that style knows no boundaries, I founded Dvij.

A huge focus was on bringing the brilliant craftsmanship of our local weavers to the forefront, and what better way to do this, than with the ever timeless and oh-so-elegant Saree. A garment so personal to me. One in which I feel the most empowered. One in which I stand tall to face the crowd. One that feels like second skin. The love for these 6 yards of fabric go beyond time and occasion. They go beyond one’s body type, age or native culture. They’re not just threads and colors, but tales of generations, rituals of love, and echoes of timeless tradition.

Gone are the days when they were just worn by our grandmothers. Sarees find themselves in several modern day settings. From cocktail parties, to bars, from movie theaters to sundowners and raves, I’ve made a statement by rocking a saree in the most unconventional spaces. I’ve learned to own my bold tastes and not conform to social norms. In a world that thrives on stereotypes, I made the conscious choice to break free and make choices that were authentically “me”. 

Our mission with Dvij had become clear- to empower individuals to embrace their bold, authentic selves, unapologetically. 

The saree, often associated with tradition and grace, found a new voice in our vision. It became a symbol of inclusivity and self-expression, shedding its old constraints. 

In the world of Dvij, it's not about adhering to norms but about defying them. Our sarees are not just threads and colors; they are stories of self-assured individuals who dare to stand out, flaunt their bodies in these 6 yards, and call attention to their unique beauty. 

We embarked on a heartfelt journey that not only resulted in two cherished collections, Dvij Heritage and Dvij Origin, but also brought us closer to the very essence of the warp and weft upon which the culture of this country stands; tall and mighty in all its glory.  

GOING BACK TO THE ROOTS

The time came for us to start working on our collections. This took us on a voyage far and wide, exploring the nooks and corners of India and exploring the heartlands of weaving culture. From the hallowed lanes of Benaras to the bustling bazaars of Surat, and from the sun-kissed landscapes of Rajasthan to the vivid crafts of West Bengal, our quest for inspiration was relentless.

The experience was humbling as we had several heartwarming encounters with the immensely talented and skillful artisans behind some of our fabrics, and we witnessed their magic being woven into every piece. 

Dvij Origin emerged from these moments of connection. A collection that showcases designs created by me, with some of these wonderful fabrics sourced from these corners of India. Dvij fuses modern design sensibilities with fabrics sourced from these regions. It's about taking the timeless beauty of these fabrics and infusing them with a contemporary twist

PRESERVING TALES OF TIME 

Sarees, like cherished memories, are preserved like handlooms and passed down through generations. On our visit to these quaint towns and villages, we discovered designs so rich and exquisite that they stand the test of time. From the classic silks of Kanchipuram and Benaras, to the delicate handlooms of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, we discovered pieces that embodied a sense of familiarity. Fabrics I have seen draped by different generations...from my great grandmother, to my grandmother, to my mother, and then eventually passed down to me...and someday hopefully, to the generations that follow me. There is a warmth in this familiarity...in knowing that these pieces were once worn by people one held close, and will be passed down to others one loves. 

Our second collection, Dvij Heritage, showcases these classic heirlooms with fabrics and patterns that outlive generations in itself, and tells stories of the ones that passed. From the wedding saree of one’s grandmother, to the school farewell saree of one’s older sister...

These pieces remain etched in our history and in the history of India.

At Dvij, we believe that everyone has a unique story to tell through the way they present themselves, and we consider it a privilege to be part of that narrative. We’re all about celebrating breaking free from the mold and to embrace one’s individuality and shine.

So, stand out and make a statement with Dvij. Your authenticity is your strength and we’re here to celebrate it with you.