Category: Fashion

At his Mumbai store launch, designer Ashdeen Lilaowala talks of the Parsi gara’s evolving fanbase This year, Ashdeen Z. Lilaowala, founder of label ASHDEEN, marks a decade of working with the traditional Parsi gara. The designer’s brand new store in Mumbai’s Colaba neighbourhood marks this event and reboots the city’s historical relationship with its vibrant… Continue reading Ashdeen’s New Garden of Gara

Lilaowala started playing with different motifs and embroidery techniques, and began to use them in contemporary ways in fabrics like chiffon and nets too. For example, his leitmotif is the crane motif, which is drawn from Chinese narratives and not Persia. Highlights The Gara (garo) is a Gujarati word for sari. Article by  Namrata Zakaria… Continue reading Ashdeen Lilaowala doesn’t want to replicate traditional Parsi garas, but offer a modern, contemporary take

Ashdeen  Lilaowala is best known for his research and revival work on the Parsi Gara. A craft bequeathed upon us by the Zoroastrian community, discovered during the 19th century period of India-China trade. To understand the history and cultural depth of this intricately precious embroidery, Ashdeen spent the early years of his career travelling across… Continue reading Ashdeen Lilaowala On His Homecoming, Preserving Zorastrian Culture And The Demand For Gara Beyond The community

Ashdeen is textile designer Ashdeen Lilaowala’s first store in Mumbai, its racks filled with hand-embroidered clothing inspired by the traditional Parsi Gara.  Article By Nicole Newby | Architectural Digest India Talib Chitalwala After setting up a successful flagship store in New Delhi, textile designer and “Bombay boy” Ashdeen Lilaowala has brought his exquisite Parsi Gara… Continue reading This new Colaba boutique is as exquisite as the Parsi Gara saris on display

Naoroji, who was considered by many as the first lady of contemporary Indian fashion, passed away in Mumbai on Sunday night. Sujata Assomull speaks to industry stalwarts about her lasting legacy. This past Sunday, the Indian fashion industry lost one of its makers. Jeannie Naoroji, was choreographer, model whisperer and mentor to many in the… Continue reading Jeannie Naoroji, the woman who shaped the Indian fashion industry passes away at 96

Textile designer Ashdeen Z Lilaowala is excited. Reason? The Delhi-based designer, author and curator will be returning to his home city Mumbai with a free exhibition ‘The Breakfast Club’ in the first week of March this year. He tells us, “Being part of the Parsi community and having grown up in Mumbai, it always brings… Continue reading Ashdeen Exhibition Opens in Mumbai Today

Besides admiring the artistic craftsmanship and creative nuances, what comes to mind when we think of Gara and Zardozi- too expensive and rare, right?. Meet sisters and designer duo- Kainaz and Firoza who are not just reviving the historic craft but making them accessible to the millennials- who are so inclined towards western brands. Article… Continue reading Keeping the historic Parsi Gara alive