Bhavani jamakkalam receives red carpet welcome at London Fashion Week

For many years, 69-year-old grasp weaver Sakthivel has sat at his humble handloom in Periyamolapalayam, close to Bhavani, weaving threads of varied vibrant hues into the standard and well-known Bhavani jamakkalams. Alongside his sister and brother, he has devoted 54 years to the loom, preserving a centuries-old craft even because the variety of weavers within the area steadily dwindled.

On September 21, 2025, that quiet perseverance discovered world recognition. The jamakkalam took centre stage at London Vogue Week, when dancer Vanmathi Jagan carried out gracefully with the handwoven rug, drawing applause from the viewers.

However probably the most transferring second got here when Dubai-based designer Vino Supraja walked the ramp with Mr. Sakthivel, who carried a mannequin of a spinning wheel (raattai). “It introduced the colors and textures of Erode district’s weaving custom to a world viewers,” mentioned Mr. Sakthivel, his voice brimming with pleasure. For the primary time, a heritage weaver shared the highlight with a designer on a worldwide stage.

“Individuals say the jamakkalam is known worldwide, however the recognition by no means reaches the weavers. That day, it did. It was not only for me, it was for all weavers,” he advised The Hindu.

Hailing from Vandavasi in Tiruvannamalai district, Ms. Vino had visited Bhavani years in the past to discover its weaving craft. When the organisers of London Vogue Week approached her, her ideas instantly turned homeward. “I had already been working with jamakkalam weavers for over a 12 months, growing premium purses. The analysis and improvement had been occurring for a while. However I additionally knew the fact — jamakkalam is now not used as a lot, and demand is falling. The weavers are struggling,” she mentioned.

This sparked an thought. “I wished to point out the world this superb textile which has a powerful visible id,” Ms. Vino mentioned. The choice was not merely about vogue, it was about acknowledgment. “The primary picture that got here to my thoughts was strolling with the weaver on the ramp, to take the bow collectively,” she mentioned, including that: “Individuals who hold these crafts alive for generations needs to be celebrated. Me taking all of the credit score can be unfair.”

Amongst Bhavani’s many weavers, Mr. Sakthivel grew to become the face of this tribute. “He’s the one behind all of the Bhavani merchandise we promote,” Ms. Vino mentioned. “This isn’t about one particular person, however honouring the whole neighborhood. He represents all of them, the soul of Bhavani,” she added.

On the London catwalk, Mr. Sakthivel’s presence was famous. Wearing conventional apparel and carrying the spinning wheel mannequin, he walked the ramp to a standing ovation. Fascinated by his ability and the daring, geometric patterns, Ms. Vino created luxurious purses and equipment from jamakkalam for her assortment ‘WEAVE: A Bhavani Tribute’, proving that custom and modernity can share the identical stage.

Again in Bhavani, nonetheless, weaving faces challenges. “It’s exhausting work, however wages are low,” Mr. Sakthivel mentioned. “Higher earnings would assist households proceed this craft,” he added. He urged the governments to guard the custom and hoped faculties and schools would introduce heritage weaving to future generations.