Jholas

Handmade Mirror Bag

On the last day of my cultural retreat to Jaipur, I came across resplendent mirror shoulder bags and pouches in the dimly lit corners of these streets. Always a lover of vibrant colors and embroideries, I’d finally found something perfect for my accessory fetish. As I admired the colorful interplay of vivid colors and patterns overplayed with tiny mirrors, I was curious about knowing more about this latest addition to my handbag collection. I was awestruck at the skill and aesthetic perfection with which, these were being made by craftsmen.

As I admired the colorful interplay of vivid colors and patterns overplayed with tiny mirrors, I was curious about knowing more about this latest addition to my handbag collection. I was awestruck at the skill and aesthetic perfection with which, these were being made by craftsmen.

Hand Mirror-work

To my surprise, I came across jholas or mirror bags made of fabrics like velvet, crepe, jute and even silk, embroidered with mirrors in intricate patterns.  I also came across mirror pouches adorned with sequins and beads, a great accessory to flaunt to college. There were varieties in the mirror work detailing which included Abhala Bharat embroidery from Gujarat, and Shisha embroidery from Rajasthan. Recalling my love for craft work and loads of fashion flurrying around at Utsav Fashion, I chanced upon the idea of making one by myself. I teamed up with the tailoring team and stitched an old pair of

Recalling my love for craft work and loads of fashion flurrying around at Utsav Fashion, I chanced upon the idea of making one by myself. I teamed up with the tailoring team and stitched an old pair of denim into a shoulder bag; cut pasted some sequins and bright patches of cloth, and embroidered mirrors onto it. I’m off to making a new statement for my Indian closet as I indulge in this new-found obsession of mine. Are you?

Signing Off