A designer creates designs that are attractive and functional and uniquely suited to the human needs. Architecture can be an inspiration for a fashion design. It may seem a little surprising to use an architectural building as an inspiration for textile and fashion design, but all examples of architecture, can cause a creative spark to the designer. When the world is buzzing with “sustainability” and “environment-friendly” as the newest big trends of the future, for many centuries, innumerable crafts have existed in harmony with nature. One such craft is the Ajrak block printing. Traditionally, Ajrak is the name of a block printed cloth with deep crimson red and indigo blue background, bearing symmetrical patterns with interspersed unprinted sparkling white motifs. This research is an endeavour to contemprarize the prelimnary resist technique called Rekh used in Ajrakh printing and to create a collection of ensembles that feature a range of ready to wear garments. The silhouettes are contemporary and wearable with simple highlights The print inspiration is the city of Vadodara, using the “Vad”- Banyan tree combined with print derived from the 4 gates of the old city. The textiles have been printed using resist technique ( rekh) on Mashru fabric. The use of natural dyes makes this collection sustainable and skin friendly. This craft has been on a decline because modern, quicker methods of printing and bright chemical dyes are replacing the natural, muted colours. But with efforts of the master craftsmen and increasing awareness among the urban people, this craft is slowly gaining momentum. Because of being an environment friendly ancient craft, Ajrakh, is slowly gaining visibility among the cosmopolitan.
