Anything that requires you to create something or revive an old form is an art, hands down. Handlooms are something that we have bought at some or the other point of time in our lives only because we loved the touch of art that it has on display. Wearing something that has been carved after careful work of hours, gives you a sense of passion and elevation which just cannot be matched by the other options this market is flooded with. This article is about dedication of a man – Shabih Abidi, who spent his life living and creating the passion – Handlooms.
Revival Of The Lost Art
There is no other place in Indore where you could find authentic artwork on Saaris, as painstakingly done by hand which is on offer by Shabih Abidi,and his wife. If you are going to take a brief look at the history of handloom, you will get to know that it’s a very fine process that takes years of practice and precision to master. This is something not many people do and this was something Shabih’s mother was pro at and she made sure this treasure went to other women as well so she passed it on.
This art unique and rare; so much to the fact that it takes 25 days for on Saari to be completed by the women workers, as the work on them is so detailed.
They are also expert in Chicken and Murri work, which is something, that you would not find ever somewhere else.
Innovating a New Style – The Art of Thread
To conserve the legacy of maheshwari handloom & maheshwari sarees in today’s world where 90% of the market has switched to the powerloom segment, its a challenge to reinvent something not only for the sake of survival but also to give it a value worth in terms of costing, demand & viability. Mr. Shabih took this challenge of reviving the legacy of maheshwari sarees & handlooms with a very interesting innovation of combining the Lucknowi artform of embroidery on the maheshwari handloom sarees giving it a whole new spectrum of beauty which was recognized by many art lovers as & evaluators as ” THE ART OF THREAD”. This interesting hybrid innovation from the brains of Mr. Shabih Abidi was a masterstroke in turning the tables of maheshwari handlooms in the current market of machine made fabrics.
Attention To Detail
Every design and work gets through extensive research and matching, that makes sure the colours pop out on the cloth which makes it look amazingly delightful. For segment who doesn’t like to wear silk, they also have an alternative for it, where they use a pure Khaadi cloth that is brought from Calcutta to ensure it looks as same as silk, when worn but with an additional benefit of the comfort and lightness the cotton has on offer.
Women Empowerment and Employment
Shabih Abidi have revived the dying art of weaving the magic on Saarees and have made sure that the girls who have a talent for doing such embroidery learns this and make a good living. Currently, they have employed many women workers who work from their home and create amazing handloom works on Saarees that makes them stand out. It is really good to see someone doing amazing things for woman and giving them employment and an opportunity to do something that they really like.
Maheshwari Saarees were quite popular but it was Shabih Abidi who made them reach to the international markets, thanks to his handloom works on them. now the demand of the Saarees are so high, that he has orders from local, national and international markets that goes for months! The biggest advantage that you have with Handloom saarees is the perfect amalgamation of style and substance, which is something you will never find elsewhere for sure.
Indore HD salutes the dedication and passion of Mr. Shabih Abidi and the work he has invested himself in, over the period of time, to keep the cultural of Malwa alive.
