Intricate weaves on differently-hued fabrics; potlis, pouches and bags in stunning colours; accessories ranging from paper mache earrings to crochet trinkets; brightly-coloured shoes and unique knick-knacks - exploring Ilk boutique is like unearthing a treasure trove of craftsmanship. Upon entering the boutique, tucked away in the quiet bylanes of Jayanagar, you will be greeted by a profusion of colours, from red wines to bright greens, from mithai pink to navy blues, from muted yellows to pristine white.
The boutique is unique in the true sense of the term as it celebrates Indian craftsmanship in all its glory, and promotes designers from across the country, who work exclusively with ethnic materials.
Preethi Rammohan, who worked in an investment research company for three years, established Ilk boutique with her architect husband Sudeep, out of her passion to revive hand-crafted Indian fashion. “Indian textiles have a good market, but are not showcased properly,” says Preethi. The well-travelled Preethi seeks to promote designers who have are doing exceptional work with Indian textiles. The boutique provides a glimpse of India’s immense creative talent pool in art and craft.
Simultaneously displaying and speaking about the work that has gone into each of the items, Preethi takes us on a tour of the boutique. The range of saris by Ethicus, from Pollachi, made of organic cotton takes your breath away for the intricate jacquard weaves, which is an almost dying weaving technique. Interestingly, each of the saris has a label attached with the photograph and name of the weaver.
An elegant silk tunic with kantha work immediately grabs your attention. It is one of the many apparel of Takla Makan, from Pondicherry, a label by a French designer. Takla Makan combines traditional textiles of India with a Parisian touch in their garments and accessories.
A range of women’s wear by Delhi-based designer Smriti Gupta in Chanderi and Maheshwari silk cotton are eye-catching for their sophisticated designs. Anra and Sanjukta, both labels from West Bengal, have an eclectic range. The gamcha tunics by Sanjukta and clothing by Anra have a quintessential Bengali style with a contemporary look.
The creations by Kala Aur Katha from Jharkhand each tell a story of their own. The designer Pankaja Sethi works closely with Indian craftsmen to produce garments that are pictures of Indian artistic beauty.
Every nook and cranny of the boutique has some attractive item, be it candle stands, wooden boxes with Madhubani and Gond art work on it, chappals made of camel leather in bright colours with changeable straps, Kutchi silver earrings, paper mache earrings by Aranya Earthcraft, gorgeous accessories by Samoolan, colourful churi (glass bangles) lamps and fashionable bags by Pure Ghee designs and Brag! “Bangalore needs a store that is as different, but is affordable,” says Preethi.
Indeed, considering the quality of the products, the apparel, accessories, bags and knick-knacks are reasonably priced. The knick-knacks start from Rs. 150. The clothes start approximately from Rs. 700 and 800 to Rs. 3,500 and the saris are approximately priced between Rs. 3,500 and Rs. 7,500.
Ilk Boutique is located at 100, 34 B Cross, 11 Main, 4 T Block, Jayanagar. Call 41695719.
