For centuries, artisans in India have created the most beautiful hand embroidery.
In recent years however, the artisans who have learned this skill for generations no longer had enough demand to continue their craft. The advent of cheap, machine embroidery has left many with little choice but to find another livelihood.
Thankfully, in 2005 Afshan Durani, founder of Lost City, set out to revive this vanishing art form.
When asked about her attempt to bring new life to a disappearing community of artisans, she said…
“Lost City is driven by the desire to create the most beautiful hand embroidered products in the world by employing artisans who would otherwise lose their livelihood. We believe that business and humanity can co-exist. The extinction of the rare skills possessed by families that still earn their living working with needle and thread will deprive us of a sophisticated art form that has existed for over five hundred years. Our primary goal is to evolve this art by nurturing its craftsmen and using conscientious business practices.”
Although Lost City has several traditional looking patterns in their textile line, it is the application of the ancient embroidery techniques to more modern graphic styles that really stands out.
With a whole lot of glamor, wit, and even a smidge of Goth, Lost City has come up with a terrific line of luxury textiles. From the cloth to the craftsmanship, everything is done by hand, and in an environmentally conscious manner.
Available through trade only showrooms, as well as having an online store.
