Bhavani jamakkalam receives red carpet welcome at London Fashion Week

For a long time, 69-year-old grasp weaver Sakthivel has sat at his humble handloom in Periyamolapalayam, close to Bhavani, weaving threads of assorted 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 Fashion Week, when dancer Vanmathi Jagan carried out gracefully with the handwoven rug, drawing applause from the viewers.

But probably the most shifting 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 brought the colours and textures of Erode district’s weaving tradition to an international audience,” 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.

“People say the jamakkalam is famous worldwide, but the recognition never reaches the weavers. That day, it did. It was not just 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 Fashion Week approached her, her ideas instantly turned homeward. “I had already been working with jamakkalam weavers for over a year, developing premium handbags. The research and development had been going on for some time. But I also knew the reality — jamakkalam is no longer used as much, and demand is falling. The weavers are struggling,” she mentioned.

This sparked an thought. “I wanted to show the world this amazing textile which has a strong visual identity,” Ms. Vino mentioned. The resolution was not merely about vogue, it was about acknowledgment. “The first image that came to my mind was walking with the weaver on the ramp, to take the bow together,” she mentioned, including that: “People who keep these crafts alive for generations should be celebrated. Me taking all the credit would be unfair.”

Among Bhavani’s many weavers, Mr. Sakthivel grew to become the face of this tribute. “He is the one behind all the Bhavani products we sell,” Ms. Vino mentioned. “This is not about one individual, but honouring the entire community. He represents them all, the soul of Bhavani,” she added.

On the London catwalk, Mr. Sakthivel’s presence was famous. Dressed in conventional apparel and carrying the spinning wheel mannequin, he walked the ramp to a standing ovation. Fascinated by his talent 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.

Back in Bhavani, nevertheless, weaving faces challenges. “It is hard work, but wages are low,” Mr. Sakthivel mentioned. “Better earnings would help families continue this craft,” he added. He urged the governments to guard the custom and hoped colleges and faculties would introduce heritage weaving to future generations.