Imagine a land bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, where the wind whispers tales of ancient empires through rustling fields of wheat. This is Punjab, India, the cradle of civilization and, unbeknownst to many, the stage for a sartorial revolution.
Here, amidst the timeless beauty of the Thar Desert, Amsterdam based brand 100 Hands has established a Fair Wear audited art factory comprised of a team of 385 people united in Where the Thar Meets Thread: 100 Hands - A Symphony of Stitches in the Heart of Punjab.their mission to weave a symphony of stitches, crafting shirts fit for royalty.
Forget the bustling workshops of London's Savile Row. With 100 Hands, a different kind of magic takes form. While having attracted the finest department stores including but not limited to Harrods in London and Bergdorf Goodman in New York, here, the air hums not with the whirring of machines, but with the gentle rhythm of needle meeting thread.
Sunita Devi, an embroidery maestro, her fingers a blur of practiced grace, creates floral patterns that wouldn't be out of place adorning a Maharajah's robe. But these are not mere embellishments; they are a whisper of India's rich textile heritage, meticulously woven into the very fabric of a 100 Hands shirt.
But the magic goes beyond aesthetics. Each shirt is a testament to an almost obsessive dedication to detail. Imagine a buttonhole, so fine and precise it appears invisible, boasting over 100 stitches per inch.
This is the handiwork of generations of artisans, their skills passed down like heirlooms, each stitch a silent prayer for perfection.
The collars and cuffs, the soul of a well-made shirt, are not machine-produced husks, but lovingly hand-cut and sewn in perfect circles. Here, time is not a constraint, but a collaborator, allowing for the creation of garments that transcend mere clothing.
However, 100 Hands is a rebellion against stereotypes. The label "Made in India" often conjures images of fast fashion and mass production. But step inside the 100 Hands haven, and you'll find a haven of fair wages, ethical practices, and a deep respect for the environment, the outcomes of which can be experienced in the brand's Amsterdam based showroom.
The Jains, the visionary couple behind the brand, understand that true luxury is not about origin, but about the human touch, the dedication to quality, and the sustainable practices that ensure the longevity of their craft.
A 100 Hands shirt is not just an article of clothing; it's a story waiting to be unfolded. It's the story of Sunita Devi's nimble fingers, the generations of knowledge passed down through Mohammad Samiriddin's masterful pattern-cutting, and the unwavering vision of Akshat and Varvara Jain. It's a story whispered in the rustle of the finest Giza cotton, a symphony of stitches that sings of passion, heritage, and a dedication to creating garments worthy of being passed down through generations.
A sartorial symphony: The Loro Piana Navy Jersey Shirt
In the hushed sanctuary of a well-dressed man's wardrobe, a select few garments hold court. They transcend trends, whispering tales of quality and enduring style. Among these esteemed articles within the confines of our own wardrobe, the Loro Piana Navy Jersey Shirt reigns supreme, a virtuoso performance in versatility and craftsmanship.
Essentially, this shirt transcends the confines of a mere piece of clothing. It's a shape-shifting maestro, adapting to your whims with effortless grace. Imagine crisp lines and a contemporary silhouette, a testament to a bygone era of sharp tailoring, yet undeniably modern.
It glides seamlessly from the boardroom's stark authority to a weekend brunch's relaxed charm, all while maintaining an air of quiet confidence. The cut flatters with a universality that defies body type, a testament to the shirt's inherent good taste.
Every stitch in this masterpiece speaks volumes. It's a silent ode to the artisans who breathe life into Loro Piana's prestigious Black Line collection. Envision a dedicated ballet of hands, meticulously crafting each shirt over a course of sixteen hours. Hand-drawn patterns, hand-cut with precision, create a symphony of form. Sleeves are meticulously attached, the collar a testament to double-sided hand-sewing, and a hidden gusset, a whisper of the unseen quality that defines this garment. It's a testament to a bygone era where clothes were built to last, and comfort was never an afterthought.
The magic truly unfolds with the touch. Loro Piana's Navy Jersey, a fabric woven from pure cotton, caresses the skin with a luxurious softness. It's a year-round companion, offering the gentle embrace of summer and a touch of warmth in colder climes. The widespread desire for this exquisite material speaks volumes – a chorus of sartorial approval that has inspired a symphony of colorways, each a variation on a timeless theme.
The Loro Piana Navy Jersey Shirt is more than cloth and thread; it's an experience. It elevates the everyday, transforming the mundane into a stage for understated elegance.
So, the next time you seek a shirt that transcends the ordinary, consider the magic woven in the heart of Punjab. Let 100 Hands clothe you not just in fabric, but in a legacy that will effortlessly accentuate and give gravitas to your sartorial journey.
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Words by AW.
Photos by 100 Hands.