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WE'RE TURNING NINE
ESTD. 2015
ESTD. 2015
We launched our brand with a mission:
To make Indian craft relevant to contemporary world with design as a catalyst.
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Ideation
Sangraha Atelier was conceptualised in 2014 as a doctoral research project to make craft design inclusive of artisan. The idea was not to create a brand but a philosophy of sensitivity towards craft. The belief is that craft is not just a skill but it's an engagement of artisan. The story started with 27 artisans that underwent design education for 5 months to initiate product development with founder.
Very few are aware that we named it after lotus initially'
Our original brand name, Kishlay, a Sanskrit term for a lotus bud, was fully conceptualized with logos, social media presence, and branding. While we may no longer carry the lotus name, the lotus motif remains central in our embroidery. It symbolizes the connection of three spaces, embodying harmony, balance, and the enduring beauty of resilience. This enduring symbol reflects our commitment to staying grounded and undeterred by challenges.
It was in 2015 that we did our first commercial exhibition in Pune on November 27th with support of Jaya Jaitly ji. Till date we celebrate this day as our Foundation Day, a most inclusive way of celebrating any festival.
Becoming visible
In early 2016, Sangraha Atelier gained significant visibility as it became a registered brand. With support from Laila Tyabji, we launched our collection in Delhi, secured coveted shelf space at Jaipur Modern, and received our first bulk order from Jaypore e-commerce. Our story attracted media attention, with blogs and articles highlighting our efforts to promote inclusivity and craftsmanship, earning widespread recognition for our role as a leveler in the fashion industry.
Sustainability and growing strong
In 2016, Sangraha Atelier strengthened its foundation through continued support from retail brands, stores, and design institutions. Our team of artisans was invited to participate in Lakme India Fashion Week in Mumbai, and we secured a dedicated rack at the Artisans store in Kala Ghoda. Additionally, we curated an experiential exhibition at Dastkar Delhi, further establishing our presence and influence in the craft design space.
Sangraha beyond Borders
Sangraha Atelier emerged as a humble initiative to reorganize operations while ensuring profits and prioritizing the well-being of all involved. Driven by excellence and innovation, our designs reached stores in Japan, Kenya, and Belgium. It wasn’t just our beautifully embroidered garments that traveled internationally; our artisans made their first international trip to Singapore. Additionally, our efforts gained global recognition, with the American magazine Hands n Eye featuring an article about our journey and work.
Consolidation
Sangraha Atelier shifted its focus towards internal consolidation and ongoing artisan education, establishing mentorship partnerships with institutional bodies. The atelier welcomed artisans who had completed professional courses from these institutions, inviting them to join the team. With an eye on the niche market where true craftsmanship thrives, we strengthened our systems to meet the demands of this specialized segment, ensuring that our commitment to authenticity and quality remained at the forefront of our growth.
Revolution
At the start of the pandemic, we found ourselves with nothing to lose and no fear, but our passion remained unwavering. Determined not to abandon our artisans to their fate, we stood together, even as many organizations chose self-preservation. Going against the tide, we introduced embroidered masks and launched them online as part of a gift economy to sustain our community. Our masks were soon available on our website, Itokri, Jaypore, and Bamyan, Paris. It was your support that kept us going, and together, we continued our humble efforts to navigate those challenging times.
Art Attack
In 2021, the power of craft took on a new dimension at Sangraha Atelier as we launched a range of home décor products, continuing the legacy we began during the pandemic. This initiative evolved into our not-for-profit wing, Sangraha 13:13, rooted in the spirit of sharing. Through our journey, we gathered numerous narratives and discovered a deeper sense of Oneness, which we expressed in embroidered artworks featuring the words of spiritual masters. Our creations found their way into art galleries, marking a shift beyond garments, as we embraced a broader artistic expression.
Soaring
This was a year marked by simplicity and humility, with creativity flourishing. Ranjita, our star artisan, rejoined us after completing her design training, fully supported by the atelier. Every creation, from garments to napkins and tartars, carried an artistic expression. We partnered with several retail brands, offering design and manufacturing services, all of which recognized our distinct design language. Notably, we were also part of India Crafts Week, further cementing our presence in the craft industry.
Contributions
It was a year of both achievement and challenge. Our artworks travelled to an exhibition in Melbourne, and we were honoured by The Times of India for our contributions to Textile Art and for breaking barriers. However, Indian retail giants partnered with us to finally damage our very thread— resource exploitation, and unmet commitments brought tough lessons. The year brought two extremes, with recognition on one side and setbacks on the other, leaving us with both rewards and hard-earned insights.
Celebrations
Despite the challenges, the resilient spirit of the Sangraha Atelier team remained unshaken, buoyed by the unwavering support of our clients. We never spoke of our hardships, but the silent encouragement was always there. Now, as we celebrate our tenth foundation day, we proudly unveil our renovated atelier—a space where art, craft, and design come together. This celebration embodies our commitment to oneness, inclusivity, and the journey of building, brick by brick, with all of you by our side.
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