SUBTLE ART OF FABRICS
our story
At allegoria atelier, fabrics are central to our design process. Our aim: crafting timeless clothing through people's stories and their unique fabrics. We're a creative melting pot, blending fabrics and artisan designs, showcasing tradition and innovation that reflects our evolving world while supporting community wellbeing.
' allegoria atelier is melting pot for creativity, where mixing fabrics, artisans, designs and history meet'
Indian sari
Saris are gorgeous lengths of cloth offering limitless possibilities. Created in every colour, pattern and for any occasion. Our kimonos and tunics are created from saris which carry the stories and traditions of those who weave them.
Ethiopian cotton weave
We work closely with our lovely Ethiopian partners to create beautiful, bespoke fabric for allegoria. We start by choosing one of the gorgeous, cotton weaves made by Ethiopian craftspeople. Together we create a design and choose the colours for our stunning, locally made fabric, continuing the journey of ancient Ethiopian art.
Cotton crops are essential to Ethiopian weavers. With a little help from international organisations, certified, organic cotton is increasing in Ethiopia. Miraculously, against a background of war and all it brings, sustainable farming is an option, resulting in better health for those farming the cotton and for bees and pollinating insects.
Kantha
The homemakers of Bengal gave a new life to old clothes by cutting and layering textiles and sewing them together to create garments and quilts. These beautiful pieces became a snapshot of family life, the people who made them the ultimate re-cyclers. The difference today is the base material can be new cotton or silk.
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We use Kantha quilts to create jackets and kimonos.
Naga weave
Nagaland is India’s most eastern state, famous for its many tribes, its green lands and its explosively hot chillies! Each tribe has a unique geometric pattern which is woven into a length of fabric. Cotton, silk or indigenous nettle and bark were used, and today many weavers use acrylic wool. We create jackets, bags and home furnishings from these beautiful pieces.
Chikankari
Made in Northern India from white, cotton fabric or muslin with white intricately woven embroidery. Sometimes known as shadow work. We make short and long kaftans from this elegant fabric.
Moroccan Sfifa
Sfifa is a traditional Moroccan finishing technique used on Moroccan kaftans, jackets, coats and shirts while being incorporated into the finishing details of Moroccan cushions. Our Sfifa is handmade by Moroccan artisans in gorgeous colours.
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It is now becoming a rare art as the result of contemporary fashion trends. allegoria atelier is working to keep the tradition alive.
Batik from Tanzania and Kenya
Batik is the art of designing patterns on cloth with wax and dye and has been practised for centuries in many parts of the world. African Batik has a long history, the printing technique passed down from generation to generation.
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Kitenge
​Kitenge is a brightly coloured fabric, made from cotton or other natural fibres with bold geometric patterns. Kenyan and Tanzanian kitenge often have sayings which merge with the patterns.
Liberty Fabric
The famous shop, Liberty’s of London was created in 1800s. Liberty has worked with the most skilled craftspeople throughout the world. Their fabrics are created in beautiful textures, patterns and colours. We use Liberty fabric in jackets, and tops.