Nila meaning ‘blue’ in Sanskrit is a non-profit organisation, spearheaded by the Lady Bamford Foundation and dedicated to honouring and preserving the natural dye and handloom traditions of rural India. The initiative offers a platform for artistic exchange, innovation and education but also a space for creativity, cultural exchange and the crafting of hand-made textiles. Like Bamford, Nila shares a passion for sustainable production, natural fibres, protecting the soil and keeping traditional handicraft skills alive.
Images throughout courtesy of Nila.
NILA HOUSE
Nila House was opened in October 2019. It is a cultural centre of excellence located in Jaipur to serve as a bridge between ancient craft knowledge and the highest levels of international, contemporary design. The rooms and workshops at Nila House are a space for people to come together and learn about craft and design, guided by masters in their field, including block printing, hand-spinning, hand-weaving, embroidery and natural dyes. A place where contemporary designers meet with traditional artisans, encouraging new learning and keeping traditional skills alive.
NILA X ANNA VALENTINE
Nila has collaborated with couturier Anna Valentine on Nila’s first ‘Platform’ collection, which deep dives into the possibilities of dyeing with natural indigo, exploring fibres, fabrics and dyeing techniques. A process of creative conversations between Anna in the UK and master artisans across India was set into motion, with the Nila studio in Jaipur serving as the conduit.
Her effortlessly elegant signature silhouettes have been interpreted using Indian hand-crafting techniques like Kantha and Jaali needlework - referencing the designer's long-standing love and sensitive understanding of Indian textiles. At its very essence, the Nila x Anna Valentine collection embodies the principles of slow fashion - timeless designs meant to last, created with handmade textile that celebrate precious skills passed down through generations.
NILA POP-UP SUMMER 2021
The Anna Valentine x Nila collection will be available to purchase in Bamford stores for July and August 2021. Discover the edit of oversized t-shirts, loose dresses and versatile jackets - the foundations of a conscious warm-weather wardrobe.
VIRTUAL SHOPPINGA
ASK OUR IN-STORE TEAM
You can book a complimentary virtual styling appointment with our Bamford store teams. Leave a message by clicking the chat icon at the bottom right hand side of your screen and we'll get back to you. We're available for live video and text chat during store hours.
HOW TO BOOK
To arrange a video call appointment please message us on web chat or email us at customerservice@bamford.co.uk
The Nila Collection explores the incomparable richness of pure natural indigo hues - a craft that cannot be mapped, measured or formulated.
The fabric is dyed by hand using indigo vats that are constantly monitored and maintained by skilled and dedicated craftspeople.
SHOP THE NILA COLLECTION
Bamford is proud to offer an edit of Nila pieces, crafted by artisan communities in India, available to purchase online and in our stores. The collection of home textiles, accessories and items for baby are dyed with natural indigo - a responsible method of fabric dyeing that is deeply rooted in India's artisanal heritage.
SHOP INCENSE
For romantic ambiance
If you're looking for a home fragrance solution that is less overpowering and wish to create more of a romantic or welcoming ambiance, candles may be the better option - especially when considering the added glow of a softly burning candle. If you like the smokey scent of incense but prefer using candles, our
