Ratna G Chotrani

Rooted in culture and driven by purpose Zeenat Pannah celebrates India's rich craft heritage while uplifting the skilled artisans who preserve it.

A trailblazer in traditional Indian handlooms, known for masterfully blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs and colour Zeenat upholds sustainability and ethical values at the core of her entrepreneurship .

From Ikat's and Pochampally to Mangalgiri and Kalamkari handwoven brings the craft of the Indian artisans to the fore ,with timeless creations that weave heritage.

In India, handloom is one of the oldest forms of expression. Machlipatnam's Kalamkari, with its intricate motifs  or the Mangalagiri sarees with jewel toned hues, denoting royalty whereas the Narayanpet sarees and dress materials with its stunning contrasts and vibrant colours, conveys divinity and heritage .

Artisans and weavers across India including Telangana have passed down such treasured weaving techniques that play an important role in preserving India's cultural richness Taking this many notches up is Zeenat Pannah - a woman entrepreneur from Hyderabad who has reworked with her artisans on designs of shawls, stoles, dupattas, sarees, etc. her labels find new ways to extend the vocabulory of handloom textiles  .

Ikkat weaves are among India's most enduring textile traditions, their history shaped by the natural dyes and pen (Kalam) through centuries of craftsmanship, patronage and technical refinement .

Born and raised in Hyderabad, this 42 year old entrepreneur worked  with Suraiya Hassan Ali, who promoted the cause of handcrafted  textiles in India the most significant revivalist in Indian textile history.

Zeenath Pannah spent all her childhood at Suraiya's store and with her weavers. All her designs today stem from the gorgeous weaves, intricate desings and fluid silhouettes learnt from her patron summer after summer. Her association with Suyraiya's work left an indelible mark on her mind and helped nurture a design sensibility deeply rooted in heritage. 

Her early exposure to artisnal beauty and rich cultural traditions founded by Suraiya sparked off a passion in her and it continues ever after passing away of the handloom legend .She continues to work with her karigars, weavers who handcraft the textiles, dhurries sarees stoles, upholstery ,with each of the collection telling a unique story often drawing inspiration from India's diverse traditions and rich cultural legacy.

Long before sustainable became a marketing buzzword it was simply the way things were done. Handloom textiles in pure cotton and silks were woven with care, yard by yard , often with techniques passed down over generations. They made Uppada sarees, Naryanpet  and Mangalgiri cottons , textured ikats and silk blends that caught the iight just so. These natural fibres were kind to the body , cool and formed the backbone of wardrobes Fashion moved slowly because it had too .

Today as the industry circles back to mindful resources , a new generation of designers and entrepreners are revisiting these textiles .Today the handloom textiles which were once confined to familiar silhouettes, are being reimagined into pieces that feel current and yet everlasting  

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Zeenath Pannah has found her moorings between  consciousness and couture - a space where both her artisans and customers align with her values representing India's ideals and continuing India's craft legacy.