from india with love, masala collection now available

There is something so intrinsically inspiring about an art form that has endured some four-and-a-half thousand years. Indian block printing is an ancient process, dating back to somewhere in the middle of the third millennium B.C.; and while it is difficult to wrap your head around something so primordial in actual age, it all comes rushing into the here and now the instant you set your eyes on such gorgeous, delicate, intricate prints. The artisanal look of the fabric and the love that goes into making it became the impetus for our fall/holiday Masala collection—some selections shown below, and, happily, now available.

Elsa dress with sweet sequins detail at the neckline.

Myrtle skirt, detailed with piping and sequins, and paired with graphic tee and stripey leggings, left; Neyla top with tiny flowers and embroidery at the neckline in amber green, right.

We bought some actual blocks at the Brooklyn Flea market for inspiration. Just seeing and touching these blocks gives you a sense of the care and work entailed. It would be wonderful to visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing in Jaipur. You can even take a printing or block carving workshop from a master there, shown above. Of course, we love anything in which we can incorporate the kiddos! First Palette has a wonderfully simple how-to for creating stamps. Just get a sack of potatoes, plus some fabric paint, tees or onesies, and you and your little one can create the perfect topper to go along with our latest collection. Seriously, how cute would that be?