The term ‘chunnat’ (choo nat) might ring a bell, reminiscent of the traditional ‘Chunni’ (choo née), which refers to the dupatta or odhani. This piece of cotton fabric, integral to women’s apparel, is delicately draped over both shoulders. Traditionally, it features pleats, meticulously set with starch, creating a play of light and shadow in its drape.
In my quest to modernize this pleated elegance, I sought out the perfect fabric, steering clear of synthetic materials. Eventually, I discovered white mulberry silk handloom fabric during my visit to Magan Khadi in Wardha, Maharashtra, India in 2023. Magan Khadi has a longstanding commitment to sustainable fiber sourcing, yarn production, weaving, dyeing, and printing, while fostering community employment.
The versatile Silk Chunnat Top features delicate vertical pleats from shoulder to waist, allowing for customizable styling by adjusting the pleats or cinching them at the shoulders with a belt to create a peplum effect. Whether paired with a leather or embellished belt, the design adapts seamlessly to different sizes, ensuring no fabric is wasted in its production.