Varsha wears coords and a trench coat made out of Pasapalli silk. Pasapalli gets its name from pasa - the game of dice, and the motifs are representative of the checkered board
Gallery 47 A's upcoming 3-day show will display Odisha's indigenous textiles. Boito is an initiative driven by Richa Maheshwari's passion to reconnect with her roots and showcase the rich textiles and compelling narratives of the people of Odisha. Odisha's native textiles are meticulously crafted using traditional techniques that have remained unchanged for generations. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns embedded in the fabric narrate the rich stories inherited by these communities, imparting a distinctive elegance and timeless charm to their creations. Boito transforms raw textile pieces into contemporary high-fashion garments, tailored for an urban audience, all the while preserving and celebrating the unique patterns and motifs that define this cultural legacy.
Women from the Bonda tribe - whose ancestors migrated from Africa over 60,000 years ago - stand under a jackfruit tree with Boito model Varsha wearing Boito's creations and their traditional headgear
Boito celebrates Odisha's indigenous textiles that are leisurely woven using heritage techniques - unchanged for generations. The colours and patterns tell the tales these communities have inherited, weaving a unique elegance and timelessness into their cloth. Boito was born out of a desire to preserve these stories and honour this history. The word ‘boito’ literally means boat, and is derived from the ancient maritime festival of ‘Boito Bandana’ (Worship of the Boats). It commemorates the voyage of the Sadhabas - ancient Odia mariner merchants, who would set sail to distant lands in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka for trade and cultural exchange.
The boats used for these journeys would carry precious cargo, including woven textiles - that would yield the principal source of income for Sadhaba communities at the time. The women from the families of travelling sailors would perform rituals to ensure their safe return. Today, the festival is celebrated with the floating of decorated miniature boats as a symbolic gesture. Odisha’s remote weaving communities - each of whom have a distinct aesthetic and sense of style - have a rich cultural and artisanal legacy. However, this legacy struggles to survive in today’s fast-paced economic climate.
Boito's mission is to preserve these crafts while contributing to the empowerment and financial upliftment of the communities who make them, without disrupting their way of life. Using raw textile pieces the brand creates contemporary high-fashion garments suitable for an urban audience, while keeping the unique patterns and motifs alive.
Boito will host the exhibit at Gallery 47A, Kotachi Wadi, Girgaon, Mumbai, from 1st to 3rd December, 2023.
Words Platform Desk
Date 30.11.2023
Boito's mission is to preserve these crafts while contributing to the empowerment and financial upliftment of the communities who make them, without disrupting their way of life. Using raw textile pieces the brand creates contemporary high-fashion garments suitable for an urban audience, while keeping the unique patterns and motifs alive.
Boito will host the exhibit at Gallery 47A, Kotachi Wadi, Girgaon, Mumbai, from 1st to 3rd December, 2023.
Words Platform Desk
Date 30.11.2023
