Image: Cecilie Telle.

In the run up to Selvedge World Fair – 3 – 5 September 2020 – a celebration of cloth, culture and creativity, we are profiling some of the 100 artisans and companies taking part. Today, we look at the work of Abdujiabbar and Abdullah Hkari from India, the social enterprise Bibi Hanum from Uzbekistan and designer Cecilie Telle from Norway. 

Image: Abdujiabbar and Abdullah Hkari.

Abdujiabbar and Abdullah Hkari, founders of SIDRcraft, create Bandhani textiles, an ancient tie-dye art form known for its unique texture, patterns, and finesse of dots achieved through the plucking and tying of tiny bindings into cloth with thread. They also make use of other dyeing techniques like clamp dye for other textiles or to add a modern twist to some of their Bandhani pieces. As well as developing their own designs, they work with designers around the world to create innovative, fresh, and high-quality products that bring the beauty of Bandhani into the spotlight. You will be able to buy: Bandhani shawls and scarves.

Image: Bibi Hanum.

Bibi Hanum is a socially responsible enterprise that creates garments and accessories using traditional hand-woven silk cotton ikat fiber. Founded by Muhayo Alieva its mission is to provide economic opportunities for women while preserving Uzbekistan’s rich cultural and ethnographic heritage. Since its creation in 2006 Bibi Hanum has been able to provide work for many women who live in Tashkent, Ferghana Valley and the Navoi Region. The clothes are designed incorporating traditional crafts of Uzbek artisans such as suzann embroiderers and silk weavers. You will be able to buy: ikat garments.

Cecilie Telle is a designer and a maker of knitted and felted accessories from Norway, now based in London. Cecilie says: “I am inspired by the nature of Norway but also the quality of wool/felt I was surrounded by. Every day practical objects, filled with such knowledge and wisdom, made by hand, each unique and filled with beauty. Craft is a big part of the Norwegian culture, something that we all carry within us to different degrees. It is understood and respected, and is still very much part of everyday life. I did my training in London, at Chelsea College of Art and then at The Royal College of Art. The desire to keep a tradition alive, but also regenerate and renew is something I am passionate about.” You will be able to buy: felted wool bags.

Selvedge World Fair early bird tickets are now available. The workshop and talks program is soon to be announced.