AOW Marks Handloom Day: On the occasion of National Handloom Day, Arts of Weaving (AOW) proudly honors the legacy of Odisha’s weaving traditions while stepping boldly into the future through innovation, sustainability, and global outreach.
This year, AOW has embraced technology in a new way by showcasing its products through AI-generated models, making it possible to present the elegance of handloom sarees and garments at a minimal cost. This digital approach has enabled the brand to connect with audiences worldwide, expanding the reach of Odisha’s handloom heritage.
“I realized most AI models today just don’t work for handloom,” says Disha Das, Georgia Tech graduate and founder of AOW. “They often erase or hallucinate garment patterns, which makes them unusable for e-commerce, especially when those patterns are everything, like in Sambalpuri Ikat.”
To tackle this challenge, Disha has pioneered a custom AI-powered solution focused on preserving the exact weave and design of garments. “This isn’t just about tech”, she says. “It’s about giving small weavers and handloom businesses the power to showcase their artistry with the same polish as big brands without burning a hole in their pockets over expensive photoshoots,” she explains. The commercial product is currently in development, aiming to make high-quality digital representation accessible to all.
A special highlight of the celebration is AOW’s focus on promoting Eri silk, also known as Ahimsa silk or Karuna silk. Unlike traditional silk, where silkworms are boiled alive during the extraction process, Eri silk is produced without harming the silkworm, allowing them to complete their life cycle and emerge naturally. This cruelty-free method aligns with principles of non-violence and compassion, making Eri silk a sustainable and ethical choice in the world of fashion.
In addition to traditional sarees, AOW has launched a new range of fusion garments that blend heritage fabrics with modern design. Ladies’ Blazers made from Gopalpur Tussar and Kotpad cotton, combining elegance with power dressing. Long Jackets crafted with Sambalpuri pure pata fabrics in Ikat work, merging traditional artistry with contemporary flair. Tussar Silk Jackets, lightweight, breathable, and luxurious, made entirely from Gopalpur Tussar silk.
On the occasion of National Handloom Day, Arts of Weaving (AOW) had the honour of felicitating Ms. Sucheta Priyadarshini, Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Odisha, for her remarkable contribution to the promotion of Odisha’s rich handloom heritage.
The felicitation ceremony took place during AOW’s National Handloom Day celebration, where the organization highlighted its continued efforts to bring Odisha’s traditional weaves to a global audience. Ms. Priyadarshini’s dedication to cultural preservation and her efforts in spreading awareness about Odisha’s handloom sector through media and public engagement were deeply appreciated by the AOW team.
First 50 privileged customers of AOW were felicitated on the occasion.
Commenting on the brand’s journey, AOW’s founder Disha Das said: “Our mission is to globalize Odisha’s handloom tradition without losing its soul. Through AI innovation, ethical fabrics like Eri silk, and modern silhouettes, we are reshaping how the world sees Indian handlooms.”
As AOW continues to innovate, it stays true to its roots, celebrating the artisan, the loom, and the legacy that threads through generations.
For more information, follow Arts of Weaving on social media or visit their official website artsofweaving.com
