Blue Silk Itajime Dune Robe

Serene Blue Silk Itajime Dune Robe for women, is cut from luxurious silk in a fluid, open-front silhouette. Hand-dyed using the intricate Itajime clamp-dye technique, the robe reveals a mesmerising composition of deep blue tones and geometric forms. The one-size design offers a relaxed fit, while the silk's smooth touch gives an elevated feel. Subtle variations in colour and pattern are a part of the artisanal process, ensuring every robe has its own distinctive character. A refined interpretation of a silk kimono for women, this piece brings traditional Indian craftsmanship into a contemporary wardrobe and makes a considered addition to sustainable women's fashion.

Story Behind the Design

The Itajime Silk Collection has been hand-crafted in the workshop of two of India's foremost Master Craftsmen; Jabbar and brother Abdullah Khatri from Bhuj, Gujarat.

Shibori is a 1300 year old tie and dye technique developed in Japan involving the folding and clamping or otherwise securing of fabric prior to dyeing. Itajime is one technique of shibori which uses pieces of wood clamped together around sections of folded fabric to resist the dye in particular shapes. Each 3m section of fabric is individually folded, clamped, tied and dyed; and this repeated several times to get layers of colours. It's a time consuming and exacting technique with bold geometric results.

In Bhuj, clamp dye techniques came into practice around 35 years ago. During that time, clamp dyeing techniques were used on traditional lungis (sarongs) to produce various designs. This was a short-lived trend, however and the technique went out of use after some 5 years. The Khatri brothers re-introduced the process in Bhuj and now create some of the finest itajime, clamp-dyed textiles in India.

Any variations or irregularities are part of the design and inherent to the production process.