From Mud to Model

Dabu is mud resist hand printed technique with vegetable dyes, mostly done by Chippa community of Rajasthan. It is one of our oldest craft and takes lot of time and patience.

The Process of Dabu Printing starts with the preparation of mud resist. Calcium hydroxide or Chuna, naturally pounded wheat chaff and gum are the main ingredients to make the mud resist. The mud resist is freshly prepared before every printing. Wheat chaff, and gum along with the mud are mixed to make a sticky paste.

The mud resists are applied onto the fabrics using wood blocks, and then to quickly dry the paste, saw dust is being applied to places where the mud resist is printed. The saw dust also acts as a binder which prevents colour penetration while dyeing. The application of mud resist onto the fabric is followed by dyeing the fabric in a cauldron of dye. The process may be repeated for double Dabu and triple Dabu and hence forth. After every dyeing the fabric is thoroughly washed so as to remove the mud application. Finally, the non-dyed part where the resist has been applied is revealed after the washing.

Once, we get the fabric, we get ready to create some pieces. All the silhouettes are discussed with the masterji and tailor, along with embroiderer.

After, the pieces are ready are sent for dry cleaning and then to the models for the shoot

We always follow 3’S, simple, subtle and sophisticated. It will always be about traditional techniques, skill and hand-based process.

D’ART STUDIO celebrates the union of Indian crafts with contemporary silhouettes and gives attention to fine detailing to provide exemplary products.

With each collection, we weave a colourful story about our rich Indian heritage and craftsmanship.

We use traditional techniques, skill and hand-based process and work on Indian textiles and fabrics like khadi, organic cotton, Kanjivaram, silk, Benaras brocade, Chanderi and Maheshwari. All the designs are structured keeping in mind comfort and style quotient of today’s women.

D’ART STUDIO pays homage to all the weavers and artisans as they are the real heroes of this industry.