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ature, the pukhoor (motif) embroidery follows the base cloth’s warp and weft thread count. The artisans count the thread with their fingers by merely stretching the material as they work.
Our journey with the Toda Project began two years ago, though it has been many years in the making. Starting as a small collective of seven, we have grown to nearly 50 artisans and designers, working together to celebrate and sustain this rare art form. We collaborated with local weavers and went beyond traditional cotton to develop fine, sustainable fabrics tailored to the intricate thread-counting technique. This renewed approach required numerous trials to honour the precision and heritage of this rare craft.
With fewer than 1,700 Todas and only 500 artisans practicing, preserving this art is vital to sustaining the community’s cultural identity. At the heart of our work is a commitment to the artisans. We ensure fair wages, support skill development, and create opportunities for the next generation to embrace this heritage.
Our vision is to ensure that this work remains meaningful to both the artisan and the patron. We are driven by the shared purpose of preserving this extraordinary art form.
Thirupurasundari sevvel –
Totally loved the beautiful piece of wearable art . From the personalised note to the packing – everything carried so much love and warmth . A way to support the artisans , the art and the community – through stunning unique wearable art.
ramya (store manager) –
Thank you so much. Your love and goodwill mean a lot to us and our artisans. Hope you enjoy wearing Till(zh)y!
Suman Tohani –
Love love love my new acquisition! Elegant and chic, light and breezy, this artisanal masterpiece captures the spirit of the Nilgiris. The meticulously embroidered red and black motifs are magnificently presented on a delicate cloud-like base of the finest cotton wool suitable for every climate and every occasion.
ramya (store manager) –
Suman, it makes us so happy to know that you like the stole and are enjoying it! Thank you so much for your warm, kind words of appreciation and for taking the time to write this special review – we are thrilled to hear it and we’ll share it with our artisans too. Love, Ramya