On 01st October 2024, the students of B.Des. - 2021 Batch of the School of Fashion Design (FD) of FDDI, Hyderabad campus visited Pochampally Handoom cluster located at Telangana, India.
Pochampally Ikkat, a celebrated handloom tradition from the Pochampally village in Telangana, is renowned for its intricate geometric designs, vibrant patterns, and labour-intensive resist-dyeing technique. This art form, steeped in history, represents a perfect blend of craftsmanship and creativity, with weavers passing down the skill for generations. Pochampally Ikkat has earned global recognition for its exceptional quality and cultural significance, even receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Additionally, it is one of the distinguished crafts showcased in India's Handloom Heritage and played a key role in representing the nation in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network.
The purpose of this educational excursion was to provide the students an opportunity to see and acquire the skill of the traditional art of Pochampally Ikkat saree-making.
As part of their hands-on exposure, students were given an incredible opportunity to witness and actively participate in the live designing and manufacturing process of the iconic Single and Double Ikkat weaves, guided by renowned weavers in the field.
From the initial stages of yarn processing with Mulberry Silk to the intricate steps of designing, Tie and Dye techniques, and finally, the weaving of handloom sarees, students explored every facet of this rich textile tradition. The live demonstrations allowed them to fully understand the complexity and precision required at each step.
During this immersive experience, students had the opportunity to interact directly with the weavers, learning the history and significance of this time-honored craft. Inspired by the traditional motifs, some students even suggested their own design ideas, adding a fresh touch to the Pochampally Ikkat sarees.
This experience not only provided our students with practical insights into textile manufacturing but also deepened their appreciation for India's rich cultural heritage in handloom weaving, while encouraging a forward-thinking mindset toward sustainability and design innovation.
