Pink and Purple Bandhani Lehenga · Hand-Tied in Kutch

Hand-worked in Kutch — mirror workmirror workSmall mirrors stitched into fabric — the signature embellishment of Kutch and Gujarat. and bandhanibandhaniTie-and-dye from Kutch and Rajasthan — thousands of tiny knots resisting the dye to make the pattern. are the two crafts this region does better than anywhere else. Bandhani requires tying thousands of tiny fabric knots before the dyeing process. For a two-colour piece like this, the fabric goes through two separate dye baths — the placement of the knots determines which sections remain each colour. The result is different every time.

• Hand-wash separately in cold water; bandhani dye continues to run in early washes
• Dry in shade — direct sun fades the resist-dye contrast faster than almost any other technique