Thekabarnews.com—Some of the most recognizable masterpieces in luxury fashion are beginning their journey far from Paris, Milan, or New York.

Many skilled workers in the workshops of Mumbai continue centuries-old embroidery traditions. They do this work under the guidance of one of India’s most recognized craft advocates, Karishma Swali.

Swali, Managing and Creative Director of Chanakya International, has been instrumental in transforming a family textile business into an internationally recognized partner. In addition, Chanakya works with some of the world’s most famous fashion companies over the past three decades.

Swali recalls walking into her father’s workshop in Mumbai, where Indian classical music was playing in the background. At the same time, textile artists worked with a level of incredible intensity and accuracy.

“She used to regularly compare the embroiderers with talented musicians,” said her father Vinod Shah, adding that they possessed a lot of artistry and discipline.

Shah launched Chanakya International in 1984, and today it is one of the foremost embroidery and textile companies in the luxury fashion business.

Over the past 40 years, the company has partnered with over 30 major luxury brands, including Christian Dior, Prada, Gucci, and Schiaparelli.

Today, Swali has approximately 2,400 artists employed. As a result, Chanakya is one of the leading employers of embroidery professionals in the luxury apparel sector.

The company is about conserving and modernizing historic Indian textile capabilities while meeting the high standards of big couture houses.

Preserving a 5,000-year cultural heritage. But Swali has also become a powerful proponent for cultural preservation, in addition to his financial success.

She created the Chanakya School of Craft, a program to train the next generations of artisans. The school conserves almost 5,000 years of Indian textile legacy.

The school also focuses on women’s empowerment by providing education and employment opportunities in crafts. Meanwhile, it is adapting age-old embroidery techniques to meet the needs of contemporary audiences.

Swali’s art continues to gain international recognition. Major cultural events and institutions have recently showcased Chanakya’s textile work. For example, you can see it in the Venice Biennale and the Vatican Library in Rome.

This work has helped to move needlework away from the world of fashion. It is now moving into the world of cultural and creative expression.

Chanakya is strongly in the handicrafts space, whereas Swali is still trying new ideas.

She has just launched a fashion studio, Chorus, with her daughter Avantika Swali, that focuses on ready-to-wear collections.

The venture is a strategic extension of high-end needlework manufacturing. Therefore, it allows the family to connect directly with consumers and showcase artisan craftsmanship in modern fashion formats.

The move is part of a bigger trend of traditional craft companies looking to create their own brands, rather than just suppliers to international labels. But the mission is the same for Swali.

Whether she is designing couture needlework for luxury fashion labels or mentoring the next generation of artisans, her work is about preserving craftsmanship. She is also fostering creative communities and ensuring that ancient traditions remain relevant in today’s culture.

As global luxury brands continue to look for authenticity and handcrafted perfection, Chanakya International is a fine example. This illustrates how ancient talents can survive and flourish in an era of rapid fashion.

Stay connected via Google News