PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT WITH TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES: EXPLORING TIE & DYE, PHULKARI AND HAND PAINTING

Abstract

The desire to have a diverse wardrobe motivates consumers to explore new products. In order to provide something fresh to consumers, designers are continuously experimenting with textiles and different ways of embellishing fabrics. As a result, a new product line is introduced into the market. The present research explores three techniques: tie and dye, Phulkari and hand painting for developing women’s wear. The study was carried out in various stages. It started with the exploration and sample development of tie and dye so that the chosen method could be utilized on the product's base cloth. This was followed by a market survey of retailers to understand the taste of consumers and their requirements. Another survey regarding the choice of women was carried out to determine their perceptions and requirements regarding women’s clothing designed with a combination of three techniques. As per the analysis of the findings of the Phulkari market and the preference of women, more samples were created on the tie and dye base fabric where some Phulkari motifs were embroidered, some were painted and some were both embroidered and painted. Out of these samples, a few were selected, and the next step was the creation of a women’s wear collection using the above techniques. Development of the collection was followed by a feedback survey to find out what women liked about the designed collection, which was based on an amalgamation of three traditional techniques. The collection was liked by the majority of the female respondents, and orders were placed for many ensembles. This research shows that such initiatives to fuse traditional techniques not only result in new designs but also support the craft sector in providing livelihood to the artisans.