For many others, Banaras may just be a city with a multitude of cultural and craft heritages. However, for Tilfi, it is the core of their philosophy, a distinguishing element that moulds a majority of their products. The brand is rooted in a simple yet profound notion: to bring the city’s cultural heritage and age-old craftsmanship to the global forefront. Born and inspired by Banaras, the brand’s journey began in 2016, commencing a pursuit of artistic excellence rooted in the city’s legacy. Helmed by Aditi Chand, Udit Khanna and Ujjwal Khanna, what was earlier a familial enterprise became a manufacturing unit with over 2,000 skilled artisans based solely in Banaras.

ALL THINGS ‘BANARASI’

The beauty of craft lies in the virtue of skill. For Tilfi, the essence of their craft lies in the virtue of ‘all things Banarasi’. The name itself, ‘Tilfi’, is derived from a Banarasi weaving technique in which three different coloured yarns flow unceasingly. It also resonates strongly with the brand’s ideals—purity, handmade craft, and the city’s heritage of skilled craftsmanship. Interestingly, Tilfi’s emblem is also inspired by the city’s traditional motifs. The monogram features an intricate motif of three paisleys, a symbol commonly found in Banaras’s heritage textiles, known as the ‘dancing paisley’.

At Tilfi, materiality means more than just a mode or a medium—it translates into the memory of Banaras. This relationship extends to their materials and techniques, creating the brand’s functional rhythm. Whether it is the city’s significant architecture, cultural legacies, or the symbolic history, all of these nuances come together to create the design language at Tilfi. In terms of materials, Tilfi is recognised for its use of natural and noble materials, including pure silk, zari crafted from genuine gold and silver, and fine wool. Alongside the existing ‘Banarasi’ vocabulary, Tilfi has also incorporated silk wool, fine linen, and Pashmina, while pursuing rare techniques such as silk twill, metal repoussé, and high-density Jamdani. The brand’s use of silk twill has paved the way for a new design language, encompassing drapery, texture, and durability, all while maintaining a handwoven quality.

When we say Banaras echoes through Tilfi in every other way, we mean it. Their ‘Reflections’ saree beautifully interprets the Ganges at night; the ‘Yatra’ artwork, handwoven for the Indian Parliament, accurately depicts the ghats of Kashi both geographically and architecturally; the city’s narrative traditions inspire the ‘Katha’ and ‘Gulab Bari’ collections. Beyond textiles, the hand-sculpted metal repoussé wall panels and the Kashi skyline art panel both extend the city’s visual and mythic codes. As Tilfi quotes, ”Banaras, for us, is a living muse.”

ART & COLLECTIBLES AT TILFI

To further preserve Banaras’ legacy of craftsmanship, tradition, and culture, the Art & Collectibles segment unveils a new level of artisanal excellence by pushing the boundaries of design and craft. Along with brilliance in textile design, Tilfi’s métier in product design remains distinctive by drawing on intricate techniques and state-of-the-art traditions. Here’s what the Art & Collectibles segment of the brand has to offer.

Metal Repoussé

As part of Tilfi’s dedication to cherishing Banaras’ rich culture, the brand honours metal repoussé by uplifting the mastery of metal artisans. The art of repoussé traces its roots to the ancient Vedic era, ages before the Banarasi handloom even flourished. However, the meticulous craft, which has since been passed down into the Banarasi aesthetic, has become a vital expression of the city’s artistic legacy today.

Entirely handmade, the repoussé process begins with a malleable metal sheet hammered from the reverse to create precise, raised patterns. With each strike, the artisans weave life into the metal, layer by layer, and form begins to take shape. This slow, meditative technique, which requires numerous rounds of embossing, demands patience and skill.

Tilfi’s engagement with metal repoussé extends beyond preservation. It pays homage to Banaras’s legacy while moving the brand forward with a profound sense of provenance.

Textile Art

Rooted in the rich heritage of Banarasi weaving, Tilfi’s textile artworks are a beautiful intersection of the city’s art, history, and craft. They offer a thoughtful interpretation of resilience through the medium of weaving. Tilfi’s textile art pieces transcend the boundaries of utility. They delve into the rich vocabulary of classical Banarasi motifs and reimagine them with a nuanced approach that seamlessly bridges tradition and contemporary design. 

The collection of textile artworks from Tilfi evokes a sense of continuity, where time-honoured techniques and innovation converge to create something both timeless and functional.

WHAT’S UP & COMING AT TILFI

Over the years, Tilfi has built a global audience across fifty countries. Although ingrained in one city, their work continues in rigour nationally and globally, unafraid to explore. In terms of upcoming ventures, Tilfi’s latest is the introduction of fine linen textiles into their roster. The brand is also expanding its Art & Collectibles segment with ‘Banarasi’ repoussé, which features everyday objects with functional design. Beyond products and textiles, Tilfi’s work extends to immersive experiences, a monthly heritage walking tour in partnership with Khaki Tours. 

“Our ambition is to keep pushing the boundaries of our craft and the skills of our artisans, while staying true to the quintessence of Banarasi craftsmanship,” quotes one of the founders at Tilfi. For the brand, the beauty of Banaras flows intrinsically. Whether it’s their textile designs or collectible items, every product embodies the cultural and traditional attributes of the city both beautifully and unapologetically.

Tilfi’s collections are available in stores or on their website.