Woven Fabrics Studio - Murshidabad, India
Rooted in a centuries-old weaving tradition, Woven Fabrics Studio represents a close-knit community of silk and cotton weavers from Murshidabad, West Bengal. The origins of this craft date back to the 1600s, when master weavers were invited by royal patrons to handweave fine textiles exclusively for the court. These artisans were granted land, homes, and the freedom to build thriving weaving communities—cementing Murshidabad’s place in textile history.
With the decline of royal patronage and the dismantling of traditional systems of support, these communities faced generations of economic instability. Many artisans were forced to leave their villages in search of alternative livelihoods, placing both the craft and its cultural knowledge at risk.
Woven Fabric Limited was established as a response to this erosion. Led by Nani Ghopal, the initiative works to rebuild a sustainable ecosystem for weaving through a fully vertical model—spanning silkworm rearing, silk and cotton cultivation, to the weaving of finished fabrics. By restoring fair systems of production and income, the organisation aims to make hand weaving a viable, dignified profession that can be passed down without uncertainty.
The community also actively collaborates with weaving pioneers across the world, exchanging techniques and knowledge to strengthen the future of handloom globally.
At Atelier Sleeba, these fabrics form a core part of our collections. Our relationship with Woven Fabric Limited is built on direct engagement—meeting artisans in person, understanding their processes, and developing custom-woven textilesexclusively for our clientele. Each collaboration is approached as a dialogue, allowing heritage techniques to evolve through contemporary design.
Looking ahead, we hope this partnership continues to bring visibility to Murshidabad’s weaving communities—bridging traditional artistry with a global audience, and ensuring these crafts remain living, evolving practices rather than relics of the past.