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In episode two of our series, Craft Leaders, we throw spotlight on Navdeep Kaur and her unwavering effort to keep the legacy of Indian textiles alive.
Traditions are the fundamental building blocks of Indian families, as essential to our identity as the delicate network of nerves that connect to our hearts. For Navdeep Kaur, the idea of collecting Indian crafts and textiles is deeply personal and the only bridge that connects her past with the present. Kaur's journey began with a chance encounter with her mother's forgotten trousseau, a treasure trove of handwoven durries that had survived the test of time. Igniting a passion for preserving her family's textile legacy, she began a quest to find authentic handloom pieces that would connect her to her grandmothers and great-grandmothers. Little did she know, this journey would lead her on a fascinating exploration of India's rich textile heritage that she intends to pass on to her daughter.
Ahead, we speak with Navdeep who joins us on zoom to take us through her journey with textiles and handlooms.
WeaverStory: Do you have any memories of your first experience with a handloom textile/saree?
Navdeep Kaur: My first visit to Punjab in 2010, fourteen years after living in the United States was a revelation. I discovered a hidden treasure in my mother's trousseau: handwoven durries, still vibrant and full of life after over a decade. These pieces fuelled a curiosity within me, a desire to connect with my ancestors through their textiles. I began asking my mother for a dupatta or something to hold onto as a memento of my grandmothers and great-grandmothers. Tales of exquisite fabrics, handwoven ghagras, and intricately embroidered phulkaris filled our conversations and memories, but the reality was stark. Time had taken its toll, and many of these precious items had been lost. Fabrics were cut and repurposed to support growing families, leaving a void that deepened my appreciation for these handloom textiles.
WeaverStory: Is there a prized piece in your collection? Does it have a story?
Navdeep Kaur: Over the past five years, my collection of handloom textiles has expanded significantly as I learned more about the intricacies of various regional crafts. My journey began with a fervent desire to find an authentic Banarasi dupatta, and these weaves remain my first love. However, Pashmina shawls and other textiles have also captured my heart over the years. The most sentimental piece in my collection is a vintage revival Banarasi dupatta woven with real zari. This is the dupatta I wore for the inaugural photoshoot of my children's clothing brand, symbolizing the intertwining of my love for textiles and my journey as a mother. I hope to pass these pieces on to future generations while creating cherished memories with each one.
WeaverStory: What draws you to invest in handwoven pieces?
Navdeep Kaur: I invest in handloom pieces to help support ancient craft clusters that are quickly disappearing from our homeland. Also, each handloom piece is unique and likely to be the only one of its kind. Others can compliment my dupattas and shawls, but they can’t get copies of them— they’re my special joys.
WeaverStory: Do you see handloom textiles as a way to preserve cultural heritage? How so?
Navdeep Kaur: While paintings, sculptures, and other pieces are often highlighted as preserving our culture and history, I feel handloom textiles preserve the matriarchal side of our heritage. Passed down from the women of one generation to the next, they carry forward the feminine side of the story, the emotional and the immeasurable, the dreams and hopes of every woman who has touched these threads. The shawls in my mother’s collection are my connection to my grandmothers and aunts. I know I will forever feel their warmth through them. I hope that by being exposed to the luxurious handloom pieces in my collection, my children will learn to appreciate these crafts and also feel pride in their rich heritage.
WeaverStory: You’ve been a longtime admirer of WeaverStory's collection, We’re curious to hear your perspective. What qualities set our handloom sarees apart, and what makes it so special for you?
Navdeep Kaur: Before finding WeaverStory, I felt like I was constantly looking for legendary weaves that likely didn’t exist anymore. I had been disappointed multiple times whenever I would invest in a piece only to find out it wasn't a genuine handloom piece. WeaverStory has been like a treasure trove for me, I’m always finding unique pieces to add to my collection and I know they will always be the real thing. The team is knowledgeable and truly invested in keeping these craft traditions alive.
Author- Team WeaverStory
