The eco-friendly clothes brand Creative Bee has launched its store in Mumbai. Gargi Bansod finds out what they have on offer…
It’s commendable when people try to consider the environment to aid arts and crafts. Creative Bee does exactly that. It broadens the aspect of making and designing textiles with eco-friendly and innovative techniques. A brand initiated by designer Bina Rao, Creative Bee gives a new look and feel to traditional dressing with a whiff of contemporary styles, by using only natural raw materials. An established store and name in Hyderabad, it has now made its way to Mumbai.
This quaint little store in the buzzing area of Gowalia Tank should not be judged by its size. With two tiny wooden chairs and a marble top table with an overhead umbrella, it has a vintage charm to it. The saris are lined on one side of the store and kurtas and other items on the other. There is just enough space to stand and appreciate the products, which are worthy of praise.
You’ll find an array of traditional items such as stoles (`850 onwards), kurtas (`1,800 onwards), salwar suits (`2,000 onwards), saris (`2,400 onwards) and fashion fabrics. But, what is special about them is that each fabric is woven using hand-spun natural fibres such as cotton, linen, mulberry silk, tussar, gicha and noile.
They are also dyed using natural dyes extracted from fruits, tree barks, roots, flowers, leaves and minerals. The fabrics are gorgeous, light and soft. You’d never expect them to be naturally produced.
They even make house furnishings such as curtains and cushion covers on order. Their main attractions are the Upadda saris (ranging from `8,000 to 30,000) and Filiature silk which are their very own creations. Filature silk, is made without harming silkworms and is very light. We loved their subtle and calming colours made from vegetable dyes and plants, such as the harde plant for the colour yellow. It is quite unbelievable to see such beautiful outcomes from natural products.
However, the minus point at Creative Bee is that they have kurtas, jackets and skirts only in XL and XXL sizes. They want to portray it as a brand for women and prefer to cater to larger sizes. But, they will make any outfit you desire in your size too.
Creative Bee also houses toys such as cars (`180) and scooters (`485) and jewellery such as bangles (`90) and earrings (`150) made from wood, which are inexpensive and make for a beautiful gifting option. What’s commendable is that they sell these products on a non-profit basis. So, all the money directly benefits the rural artisans.
This tiny shop has a lot of surprises and we guarantee you will fall in love with their creativity. We recommend you pick up their Filiature silk stoles when you visit.
Where Creative Bee, Forjett Street, Gowalia Tank
Contact 66568580