Abstract
Kantha embroidery, one of the most distinctive traditional textile crafts of Bengal, represents a rich legacy of indigenous knowledge, artistic expression, and sustainable craftsmanship. Traditionally created through layers of repurposed fabrics stitched together with intricate running stitches, Kantha embodies the principles of resource efficiency, cultural identity, and community-based production. Despite its historical significance, the craft faces challenges arising from industrialization, changing consumer preferences, mass-produced alternatives, and limited market adaptation, threatening both its cultural continuity and the livelihoods of artisan communities. This study explores the potential of integrating traditional Kantha embroidery into contemporary apparel design as a strategy for promoting cultural sustainability and fashion innovation.
The research adopts a design-oriented methodology to reinterpret traditional Kantha motifs, stitch patterns, and storytelling elements into contemporary apparel that aligns with modern aesthetic preferences while preserving the authenticity of the craft. Sustainable fashion principles, including slow fashion, ethical production, circular design practices, and handcrafted value addition, form the conceptual foundation of the study. The research emphasizes balancing heritage preservation with product innovation to enhance the commercial relevance of Kantha embroidery in both domestic and global fashion markets.
The study further investigates how design intervention can contribute to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage by creating innovative apparel collections that appeal to contemporary consumers without compromising traditional craftsmanship. It highlights the role of Kantha embroidery in promoting responsible consumption, supporting artisan livelihoods, encouraging women's economic empowerment, and strengthening the market competitiveness of handmade textile products. The findings indicate that integrating Kantha embroidery into contemporary apparel design not only enhances the aesthetic and functional value of fashion products but also provides a sustainable pathway for preserving traditional craft practices in an evolving fashion industry.
The study contributes to the growing discourse on heritage-based fashion innovation and offers practical insights for designers, researchers, policymakers, and fashion entrepreneurs seeking to integrate indigenous textile traditions with sustainable product development. It demonstrates that culturally rooted design innovation can serve as an effective model for achieving both heritage conservation and sustainable growth within the contemporary fashion ecosystem.