Natural Clothing private Limited

The Collage of textile printing had been set up in West Bengal in 1908 by a German in collaboration with the English (who were then ruling India). The city Serampur was already a weaving center and already gained expertise in making wooden type faces for the publishing industry. So they took to the work of printing very easily and in the 1940s became the hub of all printing activity. The important clients were from the big sari shops in Kolkata. The designs were entirely market driven and were upgraded frequently as per the demands of the clients.

In 1980s, the vital change was noticed, when big printing workshops were set up in Kolkata itself. As a cheaper alternative Screen Printing was introduced to avoid more laborious wooden block printing. The rich tradition of Indian culture is apparent in the similar design styles of printing that are found even today, despite the convenience of modern techniques. As per the tradition in Kolkata, craft skills are passed down the generations and the expertise remains within the family.

The Block and Screen printing has earned a reputation for itself for ages. Block printing is a form of dying and coloring a fabric with the help of wooden blocks. India is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of block printed fabric in the world and Kolkata has a long legacy of its fine hand printed cotton textiles and Fabrics. Block printing craftsmen use wooden or metal blocks to create beautiful designs on fabrics or textiles. The craft of these printing has been mastered over many centuries and skills in block printing, like Direct Printing, Resist Printing and Discharge Printing. These are now very popular amongst our clients based across the globe. In West Bengal, Serampur is the center of block printing and is famous for its bold and vibrant patterns and exclusive designs.

Embroidered (Aari, Zardozi and kantha) thread has existed in India since the XVth century. In Mughul courts these were patronized and highly appreciated. After the fall of Mughul Empire the master craftsmen spread to different royal courts in India and presently this craft survives mostly amongst the small Muslim communities. The word aari is derives from the word ''aar'' or the needle, which is used for this work. The most important advantage of Aari is that very small and intricate embroidery is possible at the cost of intense labour and beads, sequins or small spirals of gold or silver wire can also be used in between to add sparkle to the work.

The embroidered kanthas is basic run stitch done in a random way made by women of all rural classes in Bengal. The kantha in its simplest form was precisely invented out of necessity and were made in different sizes and layers. These were basically small piece of cloths spread in the courtyard to lay new born babies while they were massaged with mustard oil and were also used to wrap over the shoulders in winter mornings. The idea of using this embroidery commercially, originated more in urban groups. Originally it was used to join layers of old saris, to make quilts. Many women in rural Bengal do a lot of kantha work for traders in Kolkata.

The Zardozi embroidery is beautiful metal embroidery, which was used to embellish the attire of the Kings and queens and the royals in India. Further, these were also used to adorn walls of the royal tents, scabbards, wall hangings and the paraphernalia of regal elephants and horses. The work of Zardozi involves making elaborate designs, using gold and silver threads and adding to the studded pearls and precious stones to make the fabric and textile more attractive.

Brocade has always been associated with luxury and lavishness. These are widely used in both clothing and for furnishings. Brocade fabrics were only used as an indication of status and as garments for especial ceremonial events and occasions. The richly patterned fabric is the most glamorous of clothing since it needs no further embellishment. Further, the Jacquard fabric is used for making Drapery, Slipcovers, Upholstery and Bedspread and can be offered in a plethora of colors.