Fashion from the roots

Q&A: Graham Hollick, British textile designer

British textile designer Graham Hollick is in India to train artisans in Kutch, for a new project of the NGO SEWA, called Crafts University. He offers Abhilasha Ojha a preview of his ideas.

What made you take up the challenge of designing for an Indian NGO?
I have always been attracted to India. My first piece of embroidery as a child was of the Taj Mahal! I’ve never thought of my work as a money-making business. It’s always meant to have a social value and that’s why I jumped at the opportunity to work with SEWA. The biggest challenge is to get an entire collection of garments, accessories and home furnishing products ready within the three weeks that I’m here.

How did the association with SEWA start?
I was introduced to SEWA Trade Facilitation Centre by Annick Chandra Pellé, director, Alliance Française, Ahmedabad. She had proposed that I design a small collection for a joint venture to promote the work of SEWA Trade Facilitation Centre. SEWA has made a remarkable effort in promoting newer ideas in handicrafts while still retaining the flavour of its ethnicity. My mission will be to design and develop the skills of the rural artisans and help them make products while giving a modern touch.

I know it’s too early, but how have you found the experience of working with Indian artisans?
I love working with Indian artisans because it’s great to observe, tap into and encourage rural handicrafts. At the moment I have only come in contact with a few of them in Ahmedabad. But I will meet more when I go to Radhanpor and Santalpur.

Have you worked with Indian artisans before, or is this the first time?
I worked in Kolkata earlier on a collection of hand-embroidered scarves and fabrics. It was a wonderful experience to work directly with the embroiderers and handloom weavers in their villages.