The world is no stranger to the legacy of Kashmiri craftsmanship, especially when it comes to clothing. From being featured in runway fashion to famous Bollywood movies like Kashmir ki Kali and Jab Jab Phool Khile, most of us are familiar with the intricate stitchwork and nature-inspired designs of Kashmiri clothing.
However, there’s still a tendency among most people to see Kashmiri fashion as ‘exotic’. They may own a few Kashmiri shawls or occasionally a Pheran, but Kashmiri clothing is often regarded as too special or unique for everyday wear or even special occasions.
At Angad Creations, we don’t believe in putting art on a pedestal or locking it up in a museum for people to see. We believe in expressing ourselves through art and speaking the language of fashion with the help of art. That’s why we decided to take Kashmiri artistry out of the history books and onto the cover page of modern fashion magazines. It’s not just an attempt to create a mass-market appeal for Kashmiri fashion, but to do so while maintaining the age-old legacy of the Kashmiri craftspeople and their art.
The Phoolwari collection is our effort to embody the heritage of Kashmiri artisanship through modern and practical clothing. Let’s break down how we have done it and what the Phoolwari collection stands for.
‘Phoolwari’, or a Flower Bed
Kashmir is a land of mountains and meadows. The grandeur of Kashmir’s landscapes has consistently inspired Kashmiri artists to seek beauty and ideas from nature. One such awe-inspiring sight is the meadow full of flowers, dotted like stars in a clear night sky. The blooming flowers over vast meadows are a sign of nature springing back to life after the harsh winters.
Our Phoolwari collection is essentially a celebration of this natural phenomenon that graces the meadows of Kashmir every year. And we’re not the first to do it—Kashmiri artisans have been celebrating the reawakening of nature through their art for centuries. The Phoolwari collection transforms Kashmiri art into something more accessible and practical, giving the taste of Kashmiri craft to more and more people.
The Story Behind The Name
The Phoolwari collection is inspired by the feeling you get when your eyes gaze at vast flower-filled meadows. It is at once soothing and enthralling, humbling and inspiring, tranquil and captivating. We seek to translate this hard-to-articulate feeling into our clothing line that reminisces the exquisiteness of both Kashmiri landscapes and craftsmanship. Every item is created with this visual effect at its core, inspired by the feelings evoked by natural sights.
A Tribute to Tradition
Traditional Kashmiri clothing for the various ethnicities living there has always been dominated by staple pieces—the Pheran, the Kurta, the Sherwani, the Kashmiri Saree, and the Shawl, among others. In our Phoolwari collection, we have deliberately revisited these classics as a way of paying tribute to the age-old tradition.
Naturally, you will see a lot of sarees, salwar suits, and kurtas in the collection. However, each piece reimagines traditional Kashmiri art rather than merely replicating it. The playful elements through floral art add a touch of whimsy to every piece of clothing. The vibrant colours and intricate embroidery make them more functional for a wide range of occasions.
The Phoolwari collection is our attempt to bridge the apparent gap between traditional and modern fashion. This fusion of old and new ensures that Kashmiri art remains relevant and appreciated, and most importantly, that the world recognizes the skills and legacy of Kashmiri artistry.
Crafting a Connection with Nature
The inspiration for the Phoolwari collection is deeply rooted in the natural beauty of Kashmir’s landscapes. The collection’s designs echo the colours and patterns of blooming meadows, bringing a touch of nature’s splendour into everyday fashion.
By incorporating elements that mirror the serene and stunning aspects of Kashmir’s natural landscape, we aim for a deeper connection between the wearer and the natural world. The collection serves as a reminder of the beauty and tranquility found in nature, and a way to carry a piece of Kashmir with you.
The Impact of the Phoolwari Collection
The launch of the Phoolwari collection marks a significant step in making Kashmiri artistry more mainstream. Our modern reinterpretation of classic designs showcases the elegance and intricacy of Kashmiri artistry to a wider audience. The collection not only honours the legacy of Kashmiri artisans but also makes their art accessible to fashion enthusiasts around the world. As we push forward with new ideas, our focus remains on preserving the spirit of Kashmiri art and ensuring that its profound heritage continues to be appreciated by future generations.
The Essence of Phoolwari
At its core, the Phoolwari collection modernizes traditional Kashmiri clothing through a fusion of classic designs and contemporary elements. At Angad Creations, our goal has always been to make Kashmiri art more accessible and relevant to the modern world and celebrate the craftsmanship of this part of the world. Inspired by the natural beauty of Kashmir’s meadows, each piece from the Phoolwari collection celebrates Kashmir’s floral splendour while adding a touch of class and whimsy to everyday fashion. If you’re on the lookout for styles that truly deliver a statement, your search might end with our Phoolwari collection.