How The House of Patola Supports Artisans and Reinvents Tradition

Fashion is produced with a goal in mind and not just produced quickly; we at The House of Patola create affordable items inspired by both Patola silk as well as Indian handloom culture while paying homage to the craftsmanship, history, and people who create & wear them. A lot has gone into building a journey from preserving the way in which traditional Indian textiles were created to then refashioning those same traditional garments into a modern take on Indo-western styles for men, women & children.

We do not consider artisan support an afterthought, but it is part of our identity; every garment from Patola starts from the loom (where skilled artisans will spend months (in some cases) weaving complicated weaves based on ancestral knowledge); so working with each artisan creates value in traditional or ethnic apparel. It is imperative to us that we maintain authenticity and sustainability, preserving the legacy of traditional Indian ethnic apparel.

Where Artisanship Meets Modern Expression 

Patola weaving is one of the most complex types of artisanal handicrafts, as the individual threads must each be dyed prior to the actual weaving process, requiring a high degree of precision and an immense level of skill and dedication to linens. At The House of Patola, our artisans are collaborators, not just mere suppliers. Their skill level is used as a source for creating the new modern-day designs for traditional Indian attire created from Patola silk, thereby eliminating any negative elements that result from the use of convenience-based materials.

By allowing the art of patola weaves to naturally progress in the creation of designs rather than forcing it into the latest trend or fad, we can use the patola fabric to create an entirely new style of clothing or elegant evening gowns, but at the same time provide authentic looks that have not been altered from the original pattern of the fabric but rather have been designed either for or around the patola fabric.

Patola Reimagined for Today’s Wardrobe

Today's fashions will benefit from the reworking of traditional Patola Fabric into new and different styles by designers who modify original Patola weaves or create their own versions.

Our unique Patola Indo-Western wear collection is designed to be versatile without losing touch with traditions. We have taken inspiration from both flowy gowns and formal lehenga styles, as well as jackets and party dresses for women, to produce a collection that is perfectly appropriate for any occasion for all women, men and kids.

Patolas can be large, formal ensembles such as those typically worn at weddings or large cultural celebrations. In contrast, they also provide a small, elegant look appropriate for family gatherings or small mid-week celebrations.

Whether the designer adds bold or sophisticated appeal to an outfit, they will provide a design that embodies the beauty of Patola Silk and their confidence in "Western" fashions. 

Crafting a Future Rooted in Respect

By creating things slowly instead of diluting them into mass items, we are showing respect for Patola's integrity and the skill of each artisan behind every item. 

At The House of Patola, tradition is not kept in a museum. It is something that we wear, celebrate and share.