Conversations in Design at the AD Design Show 2024
7 crafts. 7 craftspeople. The artisans behind India's finest crafts gathered at the AD Design Show, held in Worli, Mumbai from December 20th - 22nd, 2024. Kashmir Loom, alongside master weaver Fayaz Ahmad Wani, was invited to participate in the Karigar Pavilion, where craftspeople from various regions of India showcased their mastery of materials and techniques.
The Karigar Pavilion provided a focused yet powerful glimpse into this diverse wealth. This year, the pavilion focused on seven such crafts, bringing masters to demonstrate their skills live for visitors throughout the three days of the AD Design Show.
The event was incredibly fulfilling, with visitors eager to explore India's rich heritage of crafts. For Kashmir Loom, it was a proud moment to connect with supporters and introduce them to the art and mastery behind Kani Pashmina weaving. Master weaver Fayaz Ahmad Wani led the live weaving demonstration, sharing his expertise. He has been a trusted collaborator since 2004, helping to create some of the finest Kani shawls.
Meet the Master
Master weaver Fayaz Ahmad Wani grew up surrounded by the sound of looms. "In the 1980s, the government invested in the revival of Kani weaving in Kashmir, setting up a large karkhana in our house with 18 looms."
From an early age, Fayaz Ahmad watched his elders expertly move their hands across the loom, transforming soft wool into one-of-a-kind Kani shawls. Each piece was a blend of tradition, patience, and expertise.
Fayaz is the third generation in his family to work with Kani weaving. "This was our viraasat." For him, Kani weaving is not just a livelihood but a way to preserve his family's legacy. He began his training in the 1990s, learning the craft's intricacies. Even today, his family supports him at every step, nurturing a craft that flourishes into a legacy when built together.
Today, after 34 years, he is proud of his accomplishments. "I don't work for awards or recognition. It is more important to give back to the craft. When I was young, there were only 7 or 8 people with me. Now, I have trained 34 karigars who have become master weavers themselves."
Even after three decades of weaving, his learning continues. He remains keen to explore new ideas and revive vintage Kani designs. His dedication has led to a successful collaboration with Kashmir Loom since 2004. Together, they have created some of the finest Kani pieces over the past 20 years. Drawing on the brand's archives, he has also replicated nearly 50 vintage designs.
At the AD Design Show, Fayaz Sahab demonstrated the intricate techniques of Kani Pashmina weaving. Onlookers were astounded to learn that weaving just 1 cm of a Kani shawl can take over a day.
Connecting with the craft
Preserving an art form requires the use of original tools, which demand the same skill and patience that artisans have developed over centuries.
By continuing to use these tools, artisans maintain the craft's authenticity, replicating the fine details that modern tools might miss.
These tools connect craftsmen to tradition, preserving tactile knowledge, rhythm, and the unique imperfections that define handcrafts. Alongside the Kani weaving demonstration, we also showcased our "Tools of the Trade" at the AD Design Show in the Karigar Pavilion.
It was a proud moment for the brand to connect with well-wishers and share the stage with some of the country's finest, all united by a love for good design and artisanal craftsmanship.
