February 2025, after several months of research, I am finally ready to set off. My goal is to ‘unearth’ the most beautiful hand-woven silk fabrics, exclusively in the regions that make them so unique.
Only one country in the world cultivates four types of silkworms. It is therefore the world's sole producer of magnificent mulberry silk fabrics, of course, but also of subtle tussar silk, sovereign silk, muga silk and the enigmatic Eri peace silk.
India, producer of all four types of silk
Deep in my soul, research, expeditions and encounters bring me unprecedented emotion and draw me to this surprising country, so rich in colour and majestic monuments that exude incredible energy: India!
On 13 February 2025, I boarded the plane to Delhi at dawn. Leaving the Delhi airport around midnight, I immediately felt the buzz of the capital, the teeming crowds and the honking horns. I would discover the spicy smells a few days later. From that moment on, a three-and-a-half-week journey began.
Explorations
I am flying over the north of the country in every sense of the word; the south will have to wait for another visit. It's obvious that I must have visited this country in another life! I feel like I'm living like a 17th-century explorer aboard her caravel.
I meet with the hand weavers I had selected. I am given a warm welcome, and that is an understatement. Other companies mistake me for a tourist. They try to sell me poor quality fabrics. It doesn't matter, I move on. This also allows me to get a good idea of the different qualities and ways of working.
The weavers proudly display their fabrics.
The weavers spread out their beautiful fabrics before my eyes. They have an incredible feel to them. I watch these artisans at their meticulous work, and my eyes light up! It's simply magical. The colours are shimmering. The woven patterns, created using Jacquard cards, are complex and made using traditional methods; I am truly in awe. I am filled with gratitude for these unforgettable moments. I am happy to meet families of weavers spanning several generations. These families remain humble but are so proud of their country, their creations and their expertise.
Discovering India
Fortunately, drivers accompany me in every city. Often, to get to suppliers, we sometimes had to drive for an hour. We sometimes venture to addresses lost in the maze of small streets.
My professionals often start at the end of the morning. So I let myself be guided by these drivers who accompany me and help me discover the treasures of their city.
Taj Mahal
There was no way I was going to travel across this country without seeing the Taj Mahal. But what a marvel! I am so grateful to have been able to admire this dazzling mausoleum at 6 a.m. at sunrise. Unforgettable, very emotional.
Emotions
Emotion is definitely the key word for this trip! The emotion of meeting people, the emotion of discovering wonderful fabrics whose beauty exceeded all my imagination and expectations! The emotion of the energy felt in front of these palaces, temples, gates, a piece of desert, its holy city, the Ganges... An unforgettable trip.
This fabulous trip led to the creation of my first catalogue:
Tohora Road Silk, Crossing North India, and the sublime fabrics made from mulberry silk, Eri, Tussar and Muga.
About Tohora:
Tohora specialises in importing silk fabrics for artists and designers seeking unique and authentic products, as well as fashion, interior and wedding designers. These textile treasures, made from 100% silk, are hand-woven using traditional methods from Asia, Central Asia, Japan, Africa and Latin America. Each piece is unearthed during enchanting journeys and human adventures, through encounters with passionate artisans who carry within them fascinating stories woven into the fabric of their culture and homeland.
My uniqueness lies in the value of these unique creations, carefully crafted by hand, imbued with a living energy and soul, which I select with feminine delicacy during my travels.
I also offer a bespoke service to guide you in your quest for the perfect fabric. In addition, I am launching a unique and exceptional service: assistance in purchasing silk textiles, according to precise specifications, accompanied by the creation and printing of a travel book, from the weaver to the finished piece of furniture, thus giving the product you order a unique identity.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tohora-import/