The hands, hearts and artistry behind our newest prints.
There's something so special about seeing a print come to life. The little details, the colours coming together and all the hands that play a part in bringing it to life.
During our trip to India, we got to spend some time with the people behind our newest pieces, Peacock and Turquoise. Watching familiar prints take shape and seeing the care and creativity that goes into each one. It's easy to fall in love with a finished piece, but being there, sharing these moments and seeing the process unfold makes you appreciate it all the more.
Seeing these pieces come to life made us fall for them all over again. From the colours and patterns to the little variations in each print, there's so much to notice when you look a little closer. You can truly see the time, patience and love that goes into every piece, and I think that's something worth celebrating.
That’s one of the things we love most about hand block printing, no two pieces are ever quite the same. Each print starts with a hand-carved wooden block, pressed carefully onto the fabric, one impression at a time.
We loved watching Radha at work, seeing the ease and care she brings to each print. We've had the pleasure of getting to know Radha and sharing a little of her story before, which you can find in our earlier journal, 'A Conversation with our Makers'.
Muskaan wears the Citta Blouse & Cinta Maxi Skirt in Peacock
Having our model Muskaan bring Peacock and Turquoise to life during our shoot was another special part of the process. Seeing the finished pieces worn and moving in the very place they were created was a lovely reminder of just how many hands and thoughtful details come together to make each piece.
Muskaan wears the Cammy Maxi Dress in Peacock
And then, of course, there were all the little moments in between. Some of my favourite memories from the trip were the simplest ones. We'd often wander downstairs to pick up a cup of chai, then sit together with our makers for a little break from the day. There was always time for a chat, a laugh or just a moment to slow down and enjoy being together. Nothing particularly out of the ordinary, but somehow those are the moments that stay with you.
It's these experiences that give us an even deeper appreciation for the traditions, creativity and people behind our pieces. Peacock and Turquoise are a reflection of all these little details, and we hope you love getting to know a little more about the story behind them.
For us, creating thoughtfully has always been about more than the finished piece. It's about the people we meet along the way, the traditions we get to learn from and the little things that make each piece what it is.
Because every piece has a story, and it's so lovely getting to share a little more of ours.
With love,
Claire and the DOI team xx
Shop Peacock: Citta Blouse · Cinta Maxi Skirt · Cammy Maxi Dress
Shop Turquoise: Citta Blouse · Cinta Maxi Skirt · Cammy Maxi Dress
