No Borders with Latha Puttanna ✨ Weaving Tradition, Shaping Legacies

Latha Puttanna is a passionate, unapologetically liberal artist redefining Deccan art and heritage through fashion. Inspired by her mother’s avant-garde design, she approaches traditional motifs with a modern eye, using unique colors and embroidery. Reinventing heritage, her designs tell stories through intricate details, blending past and present to push fashion boundaries.

We spent the day with Latha Puttanna in her studio, surrounded by her signature handwoven sarees—each thread carrying a story of tradition and craftsmanship. Styled in our favourite NB Jewelry♥️

“I used to see fabric as my canvas and embroidery as my art”

Latha Puttanna, a self-taught designer with over three decades of experience, has carved a distinct identity in India’s textile industry. With no formal training in design or textiles, her journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and breaking societal norms.

Growing up in a conventional family, Latha was expected to follow a traditional career path. But her passion led her elsewhere.

Despite facing challenges, she remained true to her craft. Over time, people sought her work not just for its aesthetic appeal but for the unique storytelling embedded in each piece.

The journey wasn’t easy. Fashion and textiles, especially in the South, were often overlooked. But she persisted. “Back then, there were very few platforms for women in creative fields. Even magazines would exclude South Indian designers,” she says. “We’d send in pictures, but they rarely published them. When they did, it was in the back pages, a mere three-line write-up.”

Yet, she found her space, creating a legacy that now includes the next generation—her daughter-in-law and son, who are carrying forward her brand.

Her designs, rooted in heritage, showcase this originality. One of her collections, Huli Vesha (meaning ‘Tiger Garb’), was inspired by a traditional dance form from Karnataka. “We design textiles with deep storytelling, not just trends. That’s the true essence of handloom,” she emphasizes.

“Creativity should have no borders. It should be free, expressive, and fearless. That’s the message I want to leave behind.”

Q: What drew you to craft, and how has your journey evolved?

Latha: I have always been inspired by traditional art. Growing up, I was surrounded by strong women who found beauty in the simplest things, whether it was a centuries-old tree or a blooming flower. That appreciation for detail naturally led me to craft. Over the years, my journey has been about translating tradition into wearable art while ensuring artisans stay motivated and committed to their craft.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge as an artist?

Latha: One of the biggest challenges is keeping artisans inspired. Art demands patience, and when financial pressures rise, many abandon it for more stable jobs. I’ve had to ensure they see value in their work, whether through better wages or sheer encouragement. It's easy to quit, but my role is to remind them why they started in the first place.

Q:How do you keep your work innovative while honoring tradition?

Latha: I believe in evolution, not reinvention. I work with age-old techniques, but I also adapt them to contemporary sensibilities. My goal is to maintain the authenticity of craft while making it relevant to today’s audience.

“People need to understand that when they buy handloom, they are paying for someone’s sweat, not just fabric.”

For women in craft, the biggest challenge isn’t just the work—it’s being taken seriously. People assume it's a hobby, not a profession. But craft is labor, it’s art, and it deserves respect. I had to fight for that recognition, and I still do.

Q: How has being a woman shaped your experience in the craft industry?

Latha: I don’t see my challenges purely through the lens of gender. I’ve been fortunate to have family and friends who supported my vision. However, I do recognize that many women in craft struggle with recognition. The challenge is not just creating but also being acknowledged as serious contributors to the field.

Q: What role do women play in sustaining traditional crafts?

Latha: Women have always been the backbone of craft traditions, often working from their homes while balancing family responsibilities. They pass down skills through generations, keeping these crafts alive. My work involves not just showcasing their craft but also ensuring they receive fair compensation and respect for their skills.

Q: What advice do you have for young women pursuing craft-based careers?

Latha: Balance is everything. Whether you’re single, married, or a mother, it’s about nurturing your relationships, your work, and yourself. Craft is not just about skill; it’s about resilience. Stay strong, stay passionate, and don’t let self-doubt hold you back.

“Even in fashion magazines, we were hardly represented,” Latha explains. “It was always about designers from the North, while our rich textiles and colors were ignored.”

Q: How do economic factors impact artisans and the craft industry?

Latha: The biggest challenge is financial stability. Artisans are passionate, but when the economy doesn’t support them, they move on. Unlike salaried jobs, craft doesn’t always provide a steady income, so it’s important to create opportunities where their work is valued and sustainable.

Q: How do you see government policies affecting craft industries?

Latha: While there are initiatives for handloom and heritage crafts, more needs to be done at the grassroots level. The policies should focus on long-term sustainability rather than just short-term funding. Artisans need structured support, not just subsidies but also market access and mentorship.

Q: What is the future of traditional craft in a world driven by fast fashion and AI?

Latha: We are competing with machines and mass production, but handcrafted pieces carry a soul that technology can’t replicate. It’s up to us to educate consumers on the value of slow fashion and artisanal work. The challenge is big, but the more we highlight the uniqueness of handmade art, the stronger our place in the future will be.

Weaving Stories Through Craft: Latha Puttanna’s Journey

Latha Puttanna’s journey is a testament to the resilience of traditional craft in a world of fast fashion and machine-made alternatives. With years of dedication, she has not only mastered her art but also worked tirelessly to preserve it for future generations.

"Craft is more than just making something beautiful—it holds history, identity, and soul. Every stitch, every design has a story to tell."

Through her work, Latha was ensures that heritage remains more than just a memory. By teaching, advocating, and continuing her craft, she proves that handmade artistry is not a relic of the past—it is a living, breathing tradition that deserves to thrive.

Credits

Producer - No Borders team
Director - Zayira Ray
HMU - Elton John
Set design - Zayira Ray, Elton John & Aishwarya Gajare 

Styled in - NB Jewelry✨

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