Tying down colours

NT Features

Come summer and tie and dye garments can be spotted on streets as they are comfortable to combat the summer heat. That’s the reason the leading tie and dye styles in India come from Kutch and Rajasthan – our desert regions.

Leading fashion brands are also turning the craft into trendy chic garments from co-ords to tees, shorts and even hoodies.

To go with the season’s mood, tie and dye experts Hiranmayee Shekar and Kshitijia, founder and co- founder of The Rare Attic did a one-day workshop at Bengaluru’s Vogue Institute of Art and Design (VIAD).

The workshop was conducted to introduce students to the world of tie and dye art and to give them an idea about the different types of tying and dying techniques to obtain the patterns that are trending in the market.

During this workshop, the two experts gave live demonstration on various techniques like bandhani, ikkat, shibori to name a few. The patterns and methods were are used to make kurtas, dupattas, sarees, t-shirts, kaftans, skirts and tops. A total of 24 students, including faculty members attended the workshop.

Dr HL Vijay Kumar, Director, Vogue Institute of Art and Design (VIAD) said that tie and dye is a unique style of printing followed across the world. The effects produced using these techniques are incomparable to any techniques and replication of design is very difficult. “The uniqueness of design creation and the quality of products depends on individual creativity and technique of dyeing. In the present fast fashion world, where young clients are looking for unique products specifically for women’s wear, this technique can be exploited,” he said.

Vijay Kumar also pointed out that this technique is very much used for customised products rather than mass production. “The effect of tie and dye can be enhanced by combining different techniques followed across the globe,” he said.

“Natural and synthetic dyes can be applied on cotton, linen, modal and silk yarns and fabrics. Cationic polyester fabric can also be used to get tie and dye effect. Quality of the tie and dye effect to satisfy the wash fastness property depends on process parameters followed and dye and auxiliaries used,” he added.

Chaithra Chander of VIAD said: “India is a diversely vast country also known for its festivals, costumes and food, which are all colourful. The variety of different colour combinations clubbed together with unique pattern and design is what tie and dye technique is all about.”

The experts who conducted the workshop Hiranmayee Shekar and Kshitija said that tie and dye is basically a colourful fabric dyeing technique. “Our vision is to bring this art to the forefront, reviving and living with traditional art and textiles from all over the world. There is a story behind each pattern -- a narrative every piece of art is made of, a sense of belonging to oneself. Every piece we make should make the wearer like it belongs to them,” they said.

“Creativity and tie and dye have no boundaries. I am grateful to our college management for organising this workshop. It was a fun learning workshop where each student used their creativity on fabrics and converted them into beautiful outfits,” said Isheeta, student of VIAD.

In India traditionally tie and dye is mostly done on silk, cotton but has been experimented with other fabrics too. Each design and the motif pattern has its special significance. The popular styles of tie and dye in India are bandhani leheriya, iikat. Wig wag and mandala are some of the emerging patterns.