Bangladeshi handlooms have been an embodiment of creativity and pride. Muslin, for instance, with its rich craftsmanship is considered the most famous fabric for Bangladeshi women’s attire. Since the early days, it has been worn with a great sense of dignity. The muslin available in markets today are a far cry from the stunning textiles of old. To hold on to the heritage of muslin heirlooms, ‘The Malachite Casket’ brings not just muslin but a variety of local textiles -- with their unique art for each dress.
Auntora Mehrukh Azad and Anannya Mehpar Azad, owners of The Malachite Casket, shared the memory of how their business came to be. The story begins with a saree that was very old and delicate, and beautiful. It was their mother’s Dhakai muslin saree, and its hand painted designs had captivated them their whole lives. Upon searching for similar sarees in stores and never really finding a design that came close to the original, the two sisters came back home disheartened. Thus, the venture gradually began. With immense love for art and fashion, the twin sisters started exploring sarees and painted on them for their Instagram page at the end of 2016.