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The Poetry of Weaves
Shravan Kummar reimagines the loom, crafting heirlooms of the future with artistry born of India’s past
By Mallik K
Few designers embody the soul of Indian handlooms quite like Shravan Kummar. Known as a revivalist of forgotten weaves, he transforms age-old traditions into contemporary couture with a rare sensitivity. For him, textiles are not just fabric but living stories—of heritage, artisanship, and identity. From the grandeur of Kanchipuram silk to the lyrical beauty of Kalamkari, his creations bridge past and present, rural looms and global runways. With every collection, Shravan Kummar champions artisans, sustainability, and the timeless elegance of handcraft, reminding us that true fashion is not fleeting—it is rooted, cultural, and enduring.
We caught up with the designer for an exclusive conversation.
Excerpts:
What first drew you towards reviving traditional Indian weaves, and how has that journey evolved over the years?
From the very beginning, I felt deeply connected to textiles because they carry stories of our ancestors, of nature, and of culture that cannot be replicated. Growing up around Indian craft, I was drawn to the textures, colours, and philosophies hidden in every weave. Over the years, what began as admiration turned into a responsibility to ensure these crafts are not just preserved in museums but worn, celebrated, and lived in. Today, my journey has evolved from revival to reinvention, taking these age old weaves onto international runways and giving them a global relevance while staying rooted in their origin.
Indian handlooms carry centuries of history—how do you balance heritage with contemporary design to make them relevant today?
For me, the key is dialogue between past and present. I respect the integrity of the weave, its technique, and cultural symbolism, but I reimagine it in silhouettes, cuts, and styling that resonate with the global citizen. A Banarasi can transform into an evening gown, a Kanchi weave into a chic cocktail saree, or Kalamkari into statement jackets. This balance allows me to bring heritage into the wardrobes of people who value modernity, while still honoring the craftsmanship at its core.
Which weave or textile has had the deepest personal impact on you, and why?
The Kanchipuram silk has always held a special place in my heart. It embodies grandeur, divinity, and resilience. When I first worked closely with Kanchi weavers, I realised that every motif was more than just a design; it was a coded language of faith, prosperity, and protection. That experience shaped how I perceive textiles not just as fabric, but as carriers of philosophy and human expression.
Shravan Kummar
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in working with traditional artisans, and how do you overcome them?
The greatest challenge is bridging the gap between their centuries old practices and the fast changing demands of the modern market. Many artisans struggle with lack of recognition, fair wages, and dwindling interest from younger generations. I overcome this by working directly with them, co creating designs that marry their craft with contemporary demand. Empowering artisans with design input, financial dignity, and global visibility gives them both purpose and pride.
How do younger audiences respond to heritage weaves—do you feel mindsets around slow fashion are changing?
Absolutely. Young audiences are far more curious and conscious than we often give them credit for. They love narratives, authenticity, and individuality. When I present a weave as not just clothing but as a story of an artisan, a village, or an ecological tradition, they resonate with it. Slow fashion is becoming aspirational because owning something timeless, handcrafted, and rare is seen as a mark of taste and responsibility.
Sustainability is a buzzword today, but you’ve been working with weaves long before it was ‘cool.’ How do you define true sustainability?
True sustainability is not about marketing; it’s about mindset. For me, it means working with natural fibers, hand processes that do not exploit nature, and ensuring artisans are supported economically so the craft ecosystem thrives. It’s also about creating garments that outlive trends, pieces that are cherished for decades, not discarded after a season. Sustainability is heritage; it’s about continuity without exploitation.
Could you share a story of an artisan or weaving community whose craft you helped revive or bring to a wider stage?
I remember working with a group of Kalamkari artists from Andhra Pradesh who were on the verge of giving up their craft due to lack of work. We collaborated on reinterpreting their traditional storytelling into contemporary silhouettes. Their work later travelled to fashion weeks abroad, where the world admired not just the garment but the artistry behind it. Seeing their pride, their children showing renewed interest in the craft, and international buyers placing orders was one of the most fulfilling moments of my career.
Fashion is often about speed and trends—how do you convince people to see value in timeless, handcrafted weaves?
I don’t try to compete with trends. I present an alternative. I show people that when they wear a handcrafted weave, they are wearing something no machine can replicate, something touched by human hands and history. That uniqueness, coupled with fine design, is what convinces them that such pieces are not mere purchases but heirlooms. Fashion that is timeless automatically sets its own pace.
If you had the power to change one thing in India’s textile ecosystem, what would it be?
I would create a stronger bridge between policymakers, designers, and artisans. Too often, policies are made without understanding the ground realities, and designers are celebrated without artisans getting their share of dignity. If we could build a transparent, fair ecosystem where artisans are the backbone and equally celebrated, the future of Indian textiles would be unstoppable.
Looking ahead, what is your dream for Indian weaves on a global platform, and how do you see your role in it?
My dream is to see Indian weaves become synonymous with luxury across the world like how people speak of Italian silks or French lace. I want every major fashion capital to carry the stamp of India’s handlooms, not as exotic novelties, but as staples of global couture. My role is to continue to design, showcase, and champion these weaves on international platforms, while building sustainable models with artisans at the core. To me, every collection is both a celebration of heritage and a step towards that dream.