It is not unprecedented to spot an international personality in wearing an Indian designer. But this was more than just a fashion statement when Brad Pitt recently wore a handcraft shirt – designed by Indian fashion label 11.11/eleven eleven – which was made in a traditional Tangalia weaving, which is in his formula one film, Fi.
Brad Pitt in Tangalia shirt | Photo Credit: 11.11/Eleven Eleven
In a recent interview, Coturier and Stylist Julian Day was celebrated for costume designer F1, Said that the option of the shirt was deliberately and deliberately. Organic handloom Indigo-Hed Cotton shirt, naturally painted, Brad’s film Person, Sunny Hayes was reduced to zero to validate.
Apart from the fact that today only 100 weavers practice this craft, why is Tangalia so special today? It is believed that about seven centuries ago, a person from the Bharwad faction of livestock in Saundranagar district of Saurashtra made a woman from the Weaver community a lot against the consent of both her families. However, it proved to be a matrimonial association that inspired careful and complex Indian craftsmanship. His children came to be known as Dangia born of Shepherds and weavers. They brought to Tangalia or Dana weaving skills. People from the Dangasia community, reside in the villages of Vastadi, Deedara, Godavari and Wadhawan in Surendranagar district, practice this craft. Despite its GI tag, Tangalia has been barred from getting its proper recognition due to limited awareness and being limited to a specific area and today hundred weavers practice this craft.
A snapshot of weaving | Photo Credit: 11.11/Eleven Eleven
Gheta is a wool base fabric on which the design is woven in a beaded work technique. The knitting is laborious and rigid, where every dot is made by giring a yarn around several threads, making the shape on both sides of the material. Unlike its look, which is found in subtle embroidery, it is interlecked on the fabric.
Ladwa (Indian Mitai) and Chaklo Heads of Tangalia are traditional patterns. Other designs include mango trees, date palms, peacocks, millet plants and Bravery (New house). The demand and laborious technology of Daanas gave motif a geometric and graphic touch. They are woven on silk and cotton clothing in the form of saris, blouse, cushion covers, jackets and dress materials. Hard, time consuming but Tangalia designs are Ramraj, Dhunsalu, Lobdi, Gadia and Charmalia. Ramraj is the most vibrant with widespread bead work performed in maroon, pink, orange, green and yellow colors on a white background.
Ladwa (Bharatiya Mitai) and Chaklo are the major traditional patterns of Tangalia. , Photo Credit: 11.11/Eleven Eleven
Established by designers Mia Moricawa and Shani Himanshu, 11.11/eleven eleven is headquartered in Delhi and a showroom in New York. This 15-year-old slow fashion brand lies in indigenous practices, champions craftsmanship and thoughtful design, which is a moral and durable approach to a system of small-batch, handmade production using organic cotton and natural colors as a moral and durable approach.
Regarding her composition, Shani says, “As global voices start embracing the beauty of indigenous knowledge systems, the recognition we have today seems deeply individual; not only for the brand, but for the craftsman whose hands bring each garment into life.” In a unique step towards transparency and connection, the brand has started its ownership ‘Meat the Makers’ technology: an NFC-Saksham button embedded in every dress. With just one smartphone tap, the wearer can detect the journey of their piece and meet the artisan community behind it.
The Tanglia shirt | Photo Credit: 11.11/Eleven Eleven
Ranjit Singh Parmar, the founder and CEO, the palace of India, and the luxury property Ambika Nivas Palace in Surendranagar support the Tangalia artisans and promotes this dying heritage by organizing the Muli Textile Artison Tour. An immersive cultural journey, it enables guests to experience weavers at work, understand their crafts and encourage interaction, create new avenues for their weaving. Pleased to see the shirt shown on the big screen, he says, “It is a celebration of heritage, skills and culture. To see that it is worn by a Hollywood legend, on a global stage, beyond inspiring.”
Published – July 11, 2025 04:48 pm IST
