She was already spreading the ‘Make in India’ buzz, even before it became such a rage. Although Kanak Hirani Nautiyal moved to Netherlands from Bengaluru, she’s staying in touch with her roots in India and giving Indian artisans the much-needed global platform and access to regular work. We speak to the lady on how she’s helping the artisans revive their skills of spinning, weaving, dyeing and embroidery.
“During one of my visits to Uttarakhand, I came across an artisan, M.C. Bisht, who inspired my thought as his handmade products were of high quality. My friend and business partner Sindhu Holla and I thought this was the perfect idea behind Pashm, our Amsterdam-based company that connected similar rural artisans to designers and brands abroad that wanted to work with the handmade sector in India. We just needed to find a way to bring the two together. We have a network of skilled Indian artisans who specialise in handmade textiles. We match these artisans and their techniques to international fashion and apparel companies, designers and retailers who wish to work with India. We produce and supply sustainable, ethically made handmade yardage and finished textile products to our international clients, while giving them insight and control over the entire production life-cycle — from fibre to fabric,” shares Kanak.
You can call them treasure seekers trying to find hidden gems. Kanak claims her role is often a tough one requiring travelling to remote villages across India to find the right crafts groups to work with and train. Talking of the challenges she states, “After the Uttarakhand floods, there were times when it was difficult to find solid road to drive on. I’m now looking forward to an upcoming work-related trip in Milan. Karigar will be one of the 125 Dutch companies to showcase at the Palazzo Francesco Turati near the Duomo in April.”
But it’s not all work and no play for the lady, as she reveals, “For my holidays, I love the German town of Baden-Baden — world famous for its thermal spa and Black Forest cake. Also, I associate luxury with food and since I’m a chocoholic, my search for luxury has taken me to Puccini in central Amsterdam that has some of the best handmade, artisanal chocolates ever, besides hot chocolate at La Maison du Chocolat at Place de la Madeline in Paris. When I’m not working, I love to read a great book and sip on a good red wine. My passion for fashion always takes me to help friends with a bit of personal styling.”
Karigar produces shawls, scarves, plaids and cushion covers that are designed in Amsterdam and, crafted in India using natural materials. “We want to be socially beneficial giving regular employment, empowering rural women, providing new skills, and global exposure through our design and craft. We’re doing our bit to bring the handloom and handicraft industry in India,” she adds.
