From the far corners of India to the expanse of the world wide web, newly launched online label Kahani marries the contemporary with the traditional with their opulent line of dazzling shawls, scarves, totes, jewellery and kaftans, all handcrafted by artisans in the Kutch region of Gujarat. An advocate of ethical production, fair trade and the promotion of indigenous craftwork, Kahani’s founder, New York based Art Director and Designer, Lisanne Gagnon hopes that the products will capture your imagination and instil a desire for the beauty of the handmade in a world of mass consumerism and throwaway fashion. I’m a big fan of intertwining good causes with fabulous products, so I couldn’t have stumbled upon a more apt label to rave about on Wandering Threads. Thus, in awe of all things Kahani I probed Lisanne on how the label came to be:
1.
Kahani means “story,” and the spirit of the label bares emphasis on
the journey, as well as arriving at a beautiful end product. Can you
tell us a little bit about your own story and how Kahani came to be?
In 2010, on my first-ever journey to India, I travelled to a desert district in Western India called Kutch
where I witnessed first-hand the creation of a vast range of
handicrafts by local artisans of all ages who belonged to a variety of ethnic tribes.
Upon returning to New York, I realized how inspiring this experience
was and immediately knew I had to return someday and explore further.
What transpired through this “return” was essentially the merging of two
desires: to work with artisans to create a line of beautiful, handcrafted garments and fashion accessories, and to commit to doing so in ethical and sustainable ways. My efforts began this past winter and by spring I launched Kahani.
2.
The promotion of ethnic, indigenous and traditional craftsmanship is
evidently something you are very passionate about. When did you first
realise your interest in this?
I’ve always been intrigued by the concept of 'preserving artisan traditions',
ones that survive millennia and are passed down through generations.
During my initial trip, I began to understand my fascination was
inextricably tied to my passion for traditional culture and ethnic style. Spending time with knowledgeable artisans really opened my eyes to the process and the history behind the craftwork. I realized instinctively that Kahani should be committed to the promotion and preservation of these age-old traditions that, quite honestly, may easily vanish in a fast-changing and globalized economy.
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