About Cowrie
The Cowrie Collective is a collaborative labour of love, care, and everyday joys of three sisters -- Gaurie, Devika and Namaah.
Bound by our common love for all things mindful, sustainable, and stylish, we're all about bringing you fashion that is at the confluence of the comfortable and the contemporary.
Cowrie began as the youngest sister, Gaurie's thesis project for fashion school in 2020. What started as a project meant for a few jury members soon blossomed into a thriving collective, attracting thousands of followers and customers nationwide. For our community of "Cowrie Cuties," the label became more than just clothing—it evolved into a symbol of uncompromising, euphoric self-expression and body positivity.
At the start of 2024, elder sisters Namaah and Devika joined Gaurie in shaping the future of Cowrie Collective. Together, we share a deep appreciation for traditional Indian crafts, particularly the intricate art of hand block printing. Our mission is to celebrate and sustain these age-old techniques while infusing them with contemporary flair, ensuring our designs honor both the past and the present.
Hand block printing is an intricate and time-honoured process that involves carving detailed designs into wooden blocks. These blocks are then dipped in natural dyes and meticulously stamped onto fabric by hand of a skilled artisan, creating stunning patterns and textures. Each piece is unique, bearing the mark of the artisan's skill and dedication. These artisans are generally from the Chippa Community of India that passes this craft down from generation to generation, and can only be done by hand; sometimes a single motif can consist of anywhere between one to even as many as 12 blocks which are layered one over the other. This is a time-consuming craft, with many brands today opting to work with digitally-printed fabric with motifs inspired by block print, leading to a disheartening decline in the viability of the traditional technique which is a lot more time and labour intensive.
Our mission goes beyond being just another clothing line. Cowrie is a tribute to the artisans who pour their heart and soul into every piece they create. We are committed to supporting these craftsmen, ensuring that their artistry continues to flourish in a modern world. By blending traditional fabrics with contemporary designs, we strive to offer unique, timeless, and versatile slow fashion. Join us on our journey to make the slow fashion movement a truly sustainable one.
Why Cowrie?
Cowrie shells have served as currency and held cultural significance in rituals across civilisations worldwide. Symbolising fertility and good fortune, they’ve long been used in jewellery, divination, and board games. For us, Cowrie embodies a rich tapestry of connotations, symbolising not only prosperity and growth but also playfulness and finding joy in the small and seemingly insignificant.
Our Team