Warp ‘n Weft celebrates textiles at Mumbai exhibition

Handloom saree brand Warp ‘n Weft launched a textile exhibition named ‘Kinetic’ at Mumbai’s Ice Factory, Ballard Estate. The event presents the label’s regional weaves and tells their stories.

The exhibition tells the story of nine textiles: Rangkaat, Aada, Brocade, Jungla, Butidaar, Shikargah, Minakari, Jamdani, and Gyasar and links their past with their present, the brand announced in a press release. The event also celebrates that the label has recently been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) authorisation by the Government of India. “Kinetic, the heartbeat of textile innovation, traces its origins in a deeply personal journey that threads through the vibrant fabric of my own life,” said Warp ‘n Weft’s CEO Gaurika Rai in a press release. 
 
The main focal point of the exhibition is a tree installation named ‘Sankhara Rerooted’ which features curved leaf shapes made of handloom textiles and rope tassels to give the impression of hanging vines. By repurposing heritage fabrics, the brand positioned traditional weaving as an art form and emphasised the link between handloom and nature, something which is increasingly noted as brands look to make their production process more sustainable.  

“As the torchbearer of my mother’s legacy, I find my heart and soul entwined with this brand,” said Rai. “Under my guidance, Kinetic not only embraced its ancestry but was also infused with a touch of youthful exuberance. I strive to bring spontaneity and relatability to a new generation, all while preserving the essence of heirlooms. This presentation was more than a showcase and this was a glimpse to my personal commitment in merging tradition with modernity, creating a narrative that resonates with authenticity and love.”
 
Sagrika Rai launched Warp ‘n Weft in 1997 to celebrate the Indian art of handloom textiles. The brand began with a 300 square foot store in Mumbai and today retails from a 2,000 square foot outlet in the metro, run by current CEO Gaurika Rai.