Combining History with Arts
The House of Gharats limited edition luxurious silk scarf collections combine historical tradition with contemporary arts. Featured collections include the ‘Pata Palette’ collection, ‘Pata’ meaning cloth-based scroll, the ‘Kalighat’ collection which encompasses the art of Kalighat contrasted with modern accents, and ‘This is India’, a collection that portrays the interpretations of two young artists views of India.
Throughout history, art has always been present and used to express emotions. The House of Gharats collections use silk as the canvas to embody their modern take on traditional art. ‘Pata Palette’ presents ‘Machli ki shaadi’ (Wedding of a Fish), Lovers, and Urban Jungle – which are reworked for the collection, containing an abundance of cultural references such as the ‘Lion Playing the Sitar’, a wild animal tamed as a musician. Unique, vivid, and design driven, the collection is susceptible to an individual’s perceptions of the cultural based pieces. ‘Art is a universal language and can be understood and interpreted by everyone’ Behold beautifully bright compositions that demand attention. The ‘Kalighat’ collection is inspired by the nineteenth practice of ‘Patua’, which derives from a rural community of Bengal artisans, who specialise in scroll painting and other decorative works of Hindu gods and ‘local legends’. ‘Kalighat’ paintings became popular after traditional Patuas saw an opportunity for ‘souvenir paintings’, which were popular amongst pilgrims that visited the Kalighat temple. In present times, Kalighat painters are experimenting with modernising the art form, adding tongue-in-cheek humour, whilst focusing on traditional subjects.
House of Gharats combines classic Kalighat paintings with traditional and contemporary patterns, as seen in ‘Polka Dot Kalighat Cats’. The collaboration features classics like the Indian horse (an iconic cultural representative of various Indian art forms). This series is seen to illustrate a Bengali proverb. ‘This is India’ is a collection that features collaborations with young artists, courtesy of the International Institute of Fine Arts (IIFA), who nurture young artist. Yada’s ‘Cityscape’ replicates the condition of towns in India, the cramped roads, derelict shops and chaos of the crowds. ‘Cityscape’ highlights the importance of art to demonstrate how others live. Art is a universal language and can be understood and interpreted by everyone. The colour embodies the vibrancy of life in India.
Sharma portrays her experience of commuting by train, the crowds of people and chaos bring to life the essence of a busy India, whilst the vivid blue used to frame the art signifies the tranquility outside of the hustle. The House of Gharats limited edition designs are available to order in luxurious silk twill scarves, pocket squares and neckerchiefs, sized 45cms, 90cms and 120cms. Each scarf is a work of art, distinctive and stylish. Classic techniques have been incorporated into modern design, offering a timeless accessory that will add personality to any wardrobe.
Two worlds, one brand
House of Gharats focuses on the strong connection between art and fashion and their work is a combination of these two worlds. The work is characterised by a blend of striking print and bold colour, our fashion speaks on many levels to people who love fashion, art and individuality. An accessory or detailed garment can be a strong expression of individuality and House of Gharats hones in on this idea. The founders, Neishaa Gharat and Pretam Gharat have set a goal to keep individualism in their work; as well as exploring the many diverse cultural and artistic ties between India and the truly global city London where they are currently based. They were named one of the top 100 Asian Power Couples of 2015, celebrating their passion for presenting culture and heritage in modernising design and dress. Since studying Visual Arts, Neishaa has been heavily involved with and fascinated by design, particularly the fusion of contemporary designs with traditional Indian craftsmanship and textiles. Using her experience as co-founder of Paramount Vision, one of the leading design and communication studios in India, as well as her time as a brand consultant in London, Neishaa has continued her success at the House of Gharats. Neishaa continues to impress the design world as she passionately promotes the Indian arts and crafts market and her accomplishments have been recognised as she has been shortlisted for the Asian Women of Achievement Award for Arts & Culture.