All posts tagged: craftsmanship

PM Modi presents various cultural treasures to Vietnamese President To Lam

PM Modi presents various cultural treasures to Vietnamese President To Lam

Published by Webster

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday presented a carefully curated selection of gifts — reflecting the country`s rich spiritual, artistic and cultural traditions — to Vietnamese President To Lam during his three-day visit to India.  The gifts included the specially developed Namoh 108 lotus, a handcrafted brass Buddha sculpture with a Bodhi tree motif, and exquisite silk fabric from Varanasi. Each item carried deep symbolic and cultural significance, showcasing India`s heritage and craftsmanship. Among the most distinctive gifts was the Namoh 108 lotus, a unique variety of India`s national flower developed by the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) in Uttar Pradesh`s Lucknow. The flower is considered significant not only botanically but also spiritually, as it acts as a “living bridge” between India`s ancient traditions and modern scientific achievement. The lotus was specially developed with exactly 108 petals, a number considered sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The number 108 is associated with meditation malas, sacred sites across the Indian subcontinent and several cosmic calculations in Vedic traditions, making the flower a representation of spiritual completeness …

The Devil Wears Kolhapuri Sandals: Prada Spotlights Indian Craftsmanship

The Devil Wears Kolhapuri Sandals: Prada Spotlights Indian Craftsmanship

Published by Parlour News

The brand has commented on the new limited-edition sandals. They are of the opinion that the sandals have been manufactured in India by artisans from the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. While they were previously calling the footwear “leather sandals,” they now seem to have acknowledged the Indian roots of the footwear. The sandals are priced at Rs 83,193 per pair and being sold across 40 Prada stores globally. Internet-savvy fashion lovers can also buy it online. The brand has also mentioned that the footwear “combines traditional techniques with contemporary design and premium materials.” They have described it as “a dialogue between Indian heritage and modern luxury expression.” Prada also unveiled a three-year training initiative aimed at artisans from eight districts across India known for crafting Kolhapuri sandals. Two Indian design institutes are helping Prada develop this programme with six-month modules. The programme will train 180 artisans. The brand will also offer some artisans to be trained in the Prada Group Academy in Italy. The history behind Kolhapuri sandals Kolhapuri sandals were designed by the …

The Cost and Craftsmanship of Iconic Celebrity Lehengas

The Cost and Craftsmanship of Iconic Celebrity Lehengas

Published by Parlour News

3 min readNew DelhiMar 30, 2026 12:00 AM IST Bollywood brides have turned wedding fashion into headline‑making luxury, with outfits worth crores and lakhs that leave fans in awe. From Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s golden Kanjeevaram sari priced around 75 lakhs to Sonam Kapoor’s intricately hand‑crafted red lehenga of about 70 lakhs, these looks are pure sartorial investment pieces. Alia Bhatt, Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif made headlines with bridal couture ranging from 50 lakh to 17 lakh, showcasing both tradition and high‑end designer craftsmanship. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Aishwarya turned heads in a golden Kanjeevaram saree by Neeta Lulla at her wedding. The elaborate real gold embroidery, reportedly valued at Rs 75 lakh, added luxurious detail to her drape, enhancing her ethereal beauty and setting a benchmark for bridal elegance. Sonam Kapoor The Aisha actor chose a traditional red-and-gold lehenga by Anuradha Vakil, accessorised with vintage jewels: a choker layered with a guttapusalu necklace and a multi-stranded matha patti completed her look. Alia Bhatt Alia Bhatt chose a heavily-embroidered ivory sari with fine tilla work and an embroidered handwoven tissue …

Intangible heritage most democratic expression of culture in many ways: Jaishankar

Intangible heritage most democratic expression of culture in many ways: Jaishankar

Published by Parlour News

New Delhi, Traditions, languages, music, craftsmanship and other forms of intangible heritage are in many ways the most “democratic expression of culture”, owned by all and guarded by many, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday. Intangible heritage most democratic expression of culture in many ways: Jaishankar In his address at the opening ceremony of a key UNESCO meeting on Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Red Fort complex here, Jaishankar told delegates from various countries that in the “shared quest” for peace and prosperity, it is essential to nurture inheritance, build on it and pass it on to the future generations. The 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage will take place at the Red Fort from December 8 to 13. This is the first time that India is hosting a session of the UNESCO panel. Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and India’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Vishal V Sharma, were present at the opening …

Manipuri craftsmanship takes centre stage with Sonam Kapoor`s latest attire

Manipuri craftsmanship takes centre stage with Sonam Kapoor`s latest attire

Published by Webster

Sonam Kapoor puts Manipuri heritage in the spotlight with her latest look Sonam Kapoor has long been celebrated for championing indigenous craftsmanship and homegrown Indian brands. The actress consistently spotlights India’s rich artisanal heritage on global platforms, often using her international red-carpet appearances to showcase exceptional design talent from the country. A recent intimate dinner gave Sonam yet another opportunity to present the best of Indian fashion.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Architectural Digest India (@archdigestindia) The Bollywood star hosted Amy Astley, Global Editorial Director and Editor-in-Chief of Architectural Digest, at her Mumbai home for a private evening. For the occasion, Sonam chose an outfit from East, designed by Manipuri designer Easternlight Zimik. The outfit, an Akha set from their Patrons Collection, is an elegant nod to India’s textile legacy. About Sonam Kapoor’s pregnancy According to Pinkvilla, a source close to Sonam Kapoor and her husband confirmed, “Sonam is in the second trimester of her …

New Study Confirms Nebra Sky Disc’s Ancient Origins and Advanced Craftsmanship

New Study Confirms Nebra Sky Disc’s Ancient Origins and Advanced Craftsmanship

Published by Webster

A recent study has provided crucial insights into the manufacturing techniques used to create the Nebra Sky Disc, an artefact thought to date back 3,800 years to the Early Bronze Age. The analysis challenges claims suggesting the disc could be a modern forgery. Researchers revealed that the disc was crafted through an elaborate “hot forging” process, involving at least ten heating and hammering cycles at temperatures exceeding 700°C, according to Christian-Heinrich Wunderlich, a metallurgist cited by Live Science. Discovery and Ongoing Debate The study was published in Scientific Reports on November 21. Unearthed in 1999 near Nebra, Germany, the 12-inch bronze disc, adorned with gold symbols thought to represent celestial bodies, has been the subject of considerable debate. Initial reports lauded it as the oldest known depiction of the sky. However, questions regarding its authenticity arose, including theories suggesting its discovery site might have been staged to enhance its market value. Experts involved in the study recreated a replica using Early Bronze Age techniques, reportedly. The metallographic comparison between the replica and the original disc …

Met Gala 2024: Alia Bhatt embraces Indian heritage in an exquisite Sabyasachi saree with massive train | Bollywood

Published by Parlour News

Stepping away from the usual gowns and tiaras, Bollywood diva Alia Bhatt made a powerful statement at the 2024 Met Gala. Draped in an exquisite shimmery saree by renowned designer Sabyasachi, Bhatt embraced her Indian heritage to perfectly complement the theme: Garden of Time. The Gangubai star confidently held the mic as she spoke with Vogue on the red carpet, looking excited for the gala night. This marked Alia’s second appearance at the Met Gala, following her stunning debut in 2023 where she turned heads with a breathtaking ensemble created by Prabal Gurung. Met Gala 2024: Alia Bhatt embraces Indian heritage in an exquisite Sabyasachi saree with massive train Alia Bhatt at Met Gala 2024: An ode to Indian culture Also read: MET Gala 2024: Alia Bhatt and Isha Ambani in sarees are ‘Met Set Ready’ for fashion’s biggest night. All pics inside Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! “There is nothing more timeless than a saree”, Says Bhatt referring to …