Memories of the Chinaman

It could have been a scene from the Arabian Nights. Resplendent with color, luxury laden, drapes and cushions, floral decorations, chandeliers and furniture enticed the wandering eye. Over it all hung the rich fragrance of scented candles. As the guests invited to the special preview and inauguration of "India-Weaves” on July 28 and 29, 2004 sipped cocktails and soaked in the beauty of the exotic items on offer, the two lovely ladies behind this new boutique at Bom­bay’s Warden Road, Pheroza Jamshyd Godrej and Firoza Kekoo Kavarana, flitted among them, answering questions, sharing the bonhomie.

Co-authoring books, co-hosting seminars, art historian and environmentalist Godrej maintains a commitment to social and civic issues reminiscent of the late Sohrab Godrej. Indeed, she mentioned to Parsiana that the notion of India-Weaves was born while she was absorbed in the final production and launch of that massive tome, The Zoroastrian Tapestry, in 2002. It has taken them over two years with a team of 15 karigars (craftsmen) to create the collectibles that are now on display, notes Godrej. Voicing the social concern that has been an attribute of the house of Godrej over the past three generations, India-Weaves aims to revitalize Indian craftsmanship in hand embroidery which, states the press release, "is difficult to find in other cultures.”

Godrej (left) and Kavarana with glimpses of the boutique and perquisites on offer (Photos: Nazneen Vajifdar, SpectraVision Labs)

With an emphasis on natural fibers in home furnishings and a wealth of designs and color combinations that are graceful, not garish, the 300 sq ft store on the first floor above the Cymroza Art Gallery will stock exclusive one-of-a-kind items in taffeta, dupion, satin, silk and organza. The partners hope their cosy little shop will bring back memories of the Chinamen who, in days gone by, appeared at the door with their tightly packed bundles of fabrics and items for personal use as well as for the home. With a range of exquisite braids, tassels, chenilles and decorative silk trimmings to complement the textiles and a range of voiles, jacquard-weaves, polyester and cottons including hand-spun khadi, the ladies are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the discerning customer finds something irresistible.

Candles: a variety of size, fragrance and price

We learn from Godrej that their cotton fabrics range upward from Rs 180 per meter, the silks from Rs 1,900 per meter. As for the cushions, much depends on the size for the quantity of yardage involved (ditto for the embroidery) and can range in price from Rs 800 to Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 depending on the choice of design. Also on offer are table cloths and throws but no bed or bath linen. Godrej says that Kavarana’s felicility as an interior decorator — she has been in the trade for the past 15 years and even longer as an associate of the architectural firm of Talati and Pantha­ky — enables them to count on a number of young associates and hence the shop can provide interior designing skills where required.

Kavarana, who "enjoys dabbling with fabrics and home furnishings” and is said to have a bent and flair to that end, says she thought it would be "nice to have an outlet of (her) own.” While on a holiday together in Goa she broached the idea to Godrej who also has a "bent for color, design and an interest in weaving” and the project was underway!

Their karigars are located in all parts of India so they travel a lot even to source the fabrics, says Kavarana. They learnt of different techniques of weaving in different parts of the country as they put in substantial legwork, asking around, tapping friends for help and advice. It eventually entailed a fair outlay of capital but, says Kavarana, "we learnt a lot, got to know what’s happening in the country...”