Bagru Workshop, Jaipur

Fashion Design Field Trip Report to Bagru, Jaipur – 16th to 19th Feb 2014 On 16th Feb 2014 (Sun), a group of 5 students and Program Coordinator for Fashion Design, Deepti Sharma from RMI Delhi, headed for a field Trip to Bagru, Jaipur in Rajasthan. Bagru is a small village that is 30km from Jaipur, which is known for two very famous textiles printing techniques, Block Printing and Resist Printing and Dyeing.

Deepti Sharma had arranged for a number of activities in Jaipur and a two days’ workshop in Bagru. On the day the RMI group arrived, they headed to Anokhi Museum for Hand Block Printing near Amber Fort. The Museum authorities were already informed of their visit and thus they had arranged a guide for RMI group, which was proven to be helpful.

The guide informed the RMI group about the history of Jaipur and then also explained the indigenous ways of Block Printing, as compared to new advanced methods of printing. The guide also explained to the RMI group, the reason for the ruler to select the area near the River Savitri, so that the ruler could inhabit the Printers.

Various preserved fabrics and garments were shown and the RMI group could make out its relevance in the modern days. The printers also demonstrated Block carving and Block printing for RMI group. After the demonstration was over, there was a brief question and answer session with the printers and guide.

Anokhi Museum- Jaipur: the Artisans had demonstrated the tracing of the motif onto the wooden blocks. Another artisan had demonstrated Block Printing.

After this visit, the RMI group proceeded for Anokhi CafĂŠ, whereby the students were briefed

by Deepti Sharma, on the various reasons which this Field Trip would be of importance to them in their future collections and studies, the reason for them to know and learn various printing, dyeing techniques and the reason for such field trip. It was done in a relaxed environment, with coffee and some good food. There was a healthy discussion as it set the foundation and goals for the next 2 days workshop.

Next morning, the RMI group left for the workshop after a hearty breakfast. They reached Bagru soon as the Resort, which they stayed, is very close to the venue. Mr. Vijendra Chhipa very warmly welcomed the RMI group. After a little introduction and a cup of tea, Mr. Vijendra Chhipa guided the RMI group with all that was required- cultural information, political dynamics, professional environment, etc. Mr. Vijendra Chhipa runs a small but beautiful unit along with his friend from United States and the name of his business is called Bagru Textiles, which is a socially responsible company. With all the practical knowledge that the RMI group received from Mr. Vijendra Chhipa, they got to know how this industry operates and the challenges one faces in this particular set up.

Students with Mr. Vijendra Chhipa, printing with Natural Dyes and Wooden Blocks. Artisans demonstrated on the carving a wooden block.

After the visit, Mr. Vijendra Chhipa along with his nephew, Anuj, who was helping him in organizing these workshops, gave the RMI group, their share of fabric and then started demonstrating the technique of laying the fabric and how to use the dye from the dye bath.

The RMI group was free to choose the block that they liked from his collections except the ones that were like 150 years old. All the students tried to choose the blocks in combination that reflects their design ethos. The first day of workshop, the students had done the printing using blocks and Natural Dyes. The RMI group was overwhelmed by the end of completing their printing, as they were excited to see their creations.

Student showing off the printing of her scarf, using the new techniques acquired.

The printing had to be followed by washing and boiling and washing again. After the workshop, the RMI group headed to Chokhi Dhani, which was next in their Itinerary. After all day of intensive learning and working, the RMI group also let themselves loose to enjoy. Students had a good time, enjoying some age old sports and did some camel riding, dancing, singing and the day was ended with a sumptuous meal.

Students enjoying themselves in Chokhi Dhani

Next morning, on 18th Feb 2014 (Tue), the RMI Group reached Bagru at 9.30am. They had requested to learn Dabu or Resist printing. Similarly to the itinerary on 17th Feb 2014 (Mon), the RMI group received their fabric. They all set out fabrics on the tables, along with new blocks and started printing. This printing had a more complex process that involved drying the fabric for a while, re-dyeing and washing and re-dyeing again before the dye infixed to the fabric.

After printing and drying, the RMI group headed to the place where they have Indigo Dye Vats.

Mr. Vijendra Chhipa explained how a particular color was made, stored and used. Once his demonstration, the RMI group dyed their fabrics.

With a break at lunch time, the RMI group got back to the dyed fabrics as they had to wash it, fix the color with a fixer and dry again. This was a taxing task. Removing the resist paste requires beating and the RMI group all tried their hands on it. It was dirty but they really enjoyed doing the fabrics by themselves. Before the RMI group left, they went to the Block carving artisan and requested if he could carve block bases for them to bring back.

Students on Day 2 in Bagru and got their hands on Dabu Printing and Indigo Dyeing.

After the RMI group reached the Resort, they decided that they would go for a light evening, celebrating their learning. They had a great dinner at a Restaurant in the city, discussing how effective the trip and the workshop were.

Students enjoying a light evening after a long day of intensive workshop.

Next morning on 19th Feb 2014 (Wed), the RMI group checked out of the Resort after Breakfast and headed for Sanganer. A visit to the Handmade Paper factory was already scheduled prior to

the visit by the RMI group. The Production Manager, Mr. Khurshid took the RMI group around, explaining the how the big machineries work and how the paper they made is 100% cotton and not made out of wood, as generally believed.

Processes in how handmade papers were made.

After this, the RMI group had a quick lunch and then proceeded to their final destination, Narayan Niwas, whereby they checked two boutiques and could identify the differences in fashion and its acceptance in the two cities. Thereafter, the RMI group headed for Railway station and reached Delhi at 11pm.

RMI Group at Jaipur Railway Station, on their way back to New Delhi

Upon reflection, the trip was well organized as it was tight in scheduling and the decisions made while planning, were quite helpful, judging from how they were being executed.

The Dos 1.

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Plan as meticulously as possible, preparing for the worst Having a medical kit and a Doctor’s number is a must.

Getting a local Taxi Driver is advisable, as he knows most of the places.

Liaising with local Resort Manager for a routine call, at say 7.30pm, to check the whereabouts so that someone local is always informed.

5. In the planning days, RMI Delhi’s SAS was informed about the itinerary, and constant touch was maintained during the trip.

6. The parents should be given a detailed schedule, so that there are no surprises for them and they are informed all the times.

The Don’ts 1. Do not change the itinerary unless the Driver says so.

2. It is advisable not to ask for shopping suggestions from the Driver as he might take one to the places where he has commission.

Student Meerika Dhawan said, “This trip showed the importance of the practical knowledge and learning which we lacked in as designers and the visit to such places definitely helped me not only to learn about these printing techniques but also made me respect the art, hard work, efforts and the struggle that is put into creating each piece of fabric. It is a truly unforgettable learning experience. “ Another student, Asmita Saggi, shared, “The best part of the trip was that when I actually did the printing. It was an educational trip and was a memorable experience for me both in learning and enjoying with my friends. I also want to thank my lecturer Deepti Madam who researched and arranged the workshop for us. I would rather want these field trips to be organized by our lecturer and the college every semester to visit different states in India so that we learn more things and know about the culture, textiles of that and also by doing it ourselves so that we remain interested and inspired by Fashion.”

The father of Asmita Saggi shared, “A special thanks to you for arranging and successfully conducting a good field trip. They enjoyed thoroughly and learned as well. Such trips in future to explore more cultural aspects of India, related to fashion will be welcomed. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Frankie who took time off to discuss things with parents on a one to one basis. All this bring the parents and teachers closer.”

Deepti Sharma, Program Coordinator for Fashion Design, said, “I have always believed, what we learn from books make us intellectual and what we practically learn enriches us and adds to the immense knowledge we gain from books. I am extremely happy that the trip could be executed in the same focused manner as it was planned. My sincere thanks to the Management and the parents who helped us in organizing it. The learning from this field trip will show, in the coming terms as it should be evident from student’s collections. We, in college, should promote such Educational field trips as this adds so much to the students’ personality and learning.”

The Field Trip to Bagru was well received by the students and parents. RMI Delhi’s students and staff benefitted from this Field Trip. The students have requested for more such Field Trips as it will benefit them and complement in what they have been taught in classes.