Thirty years since I was here! And now I’ve returned to this fascinating region of India. I find it just as hot as last time. Humid and hot, but incredibly pleasant at the same time. Once again, I find myself captivated by this lush, green tangle of coconut palms, banana plants and trees that I cannot name. As always, women in brilliantly coloured clothing appear on the roadsides, many carrying a small child on their back.
Thirty years since I was here! And now I’ve returned to this fascinating region of India. I find it just as hot as last time. Humid and hot, but incredibly pleasant at the same time. Once again, I find myself captivated by this lush, green tangle of coconut palms, banana plants and trees that I cannot name. As always, women in brilliantly coloured clothing appear on the roadsides, many carrying a small child on their back.
Keralas Backwaters
– a unique system, where freshwater rivers meet the salty tides of the Arabian Sea beyond the coastal barrier in the Indian state of Kerala. This confluence gives rise to serene lagoons and a maze of canals, rivers and lakes.
There are eight of us in our fantastic team – last time I was here with my husband Björn, Ulli, two models and Björn’s photo assistant. Our photoshoot will take three days – back then, we had more than a week to spend here. We rented a bungalow then – now we’re staying in a grand hotel. I remember it was extremely hot and we had a midday siesta for a couple of hours. What wonderful memories!
Keralas Backwaters
– a unique system, where freshwater rivers meet the salty tides of the Arabian Sea beyond the coastal barrier in the Indian state of Kerala. This confluence gives rise to serene lagoons and a maze of canals, rivers and lakes.
There are eight of us in our fantastic team – last time I was here with my husband Björn, Ulli, two models and Björn’s photo assistant. Our photoshoot will take three days – back then, we had more than a week to spend here. We rented a bungalow then – now we’re staying in a grand hotel. I remember it was extremely hot and we had a midday siesta for a couple of hours. What wonderful memories!
Day One
On our first day, we stay close to the hotel. We come across beautiful golden bamboo which provides the perfect backdrop for the yellow long cardigan in our collection.
Long, narrow fishing boats glide past. We ask if we may take a photograph of the boat – of course, that’s fine! The fisherman turns up at our hotel at five o’clock. The photos we take of Sofia sitting in the boat wearing a blue, embroidered blouse are stunning.
Day One
On our first day, we stay close to the hotel. We come across beautiful golden bamboo which provides the perfect backdrop for the yellow long cardigan in our collection.
Long, narrow fishing boats glide past. We ask if we may take a photograph of the boat – of course, that’s fine! The fisherman turns up at our hotel at five o’clock. The photos we take of Sofia sitting in the boat wearing a blue, embroidered blouse are stunning.
Day Two
On day two, we set out aboard one of the region’s iconic shikara boats. We choose a small shikara and depart just as the sun rises. Our provisions are simple: a bunch of bananas and lots of bottled water. Jeanette hangs the clothes from the roof and we ready ourselves for the day’s first photographs.
The boat drifts serenely across a large lake and through narrow, tranquil canals. All around us, beautiful boats – some of which may double as homes – float on the water. Men in traditional lungis and women clad in vibrant saris can be seen everywhere. The shores are bustling with crowds of people. A man is bathing, a woman is hanging laundry to dry, children are playing and dogs are barking.
Day Two
On day two, we set out aboard one of the region’s iconic shikara boats. We choose a small shikara and depart just as the sun rises. Our provisions are simple: a bunch of bananas and lots of bottled water. Jeanette hangs the clothes from the roof and we ready ourselves for the day’s first photographs.
The boat drifts serenely across a large lake and through narrow, tranquil canals. All around us, beautiful boats – some of which may double as homes – float on the water. Men in traditional lungis and women clad in vibrant saris can be seen everywhere. The shores are bustling with crowds of people. A man is bathing, a woman is hanging laundry to dry, children are playing and dogs are barking.
Dress Cross
We pass intensely green paddy fields – we simply must stop for some of our photos here! But getting down to them is no simple task as they are several metres below us. Filled with water too, so we stay on the raised paths that thread their way through the paddies. The new yellow dress looks incredibly beautiful against the rich green background.
Dress Cross
We pass intensely green paddy fields – we simply must stop for some of our photos here! But getting down to them is no simple task as they are several metres below us. Filled with water too, so we stay on the raised paths that thread their way through the paddies. The new yellow dress looks incredibly beautiful against the rich green background.
Catch of today
Our next stop is a little restaurant along the canal. We take a look at the fish we’ll be eating. “Catch of the day” no doubt. As well as fish, we are served large grilled prawns. We drink coconut water – its taste subtly sweet and unusual. Not everyone in our group is as intrepid as Mats and I who adventurously try everything on offer.
Catch of today
Our next stop is a little restaurant along the canal. We take a look at the fish we’ll be eating. “Catch of the day” no doubt. As well as fish, we are served large grilled prawns. We drink coconut water – its taste subtly sweet and unusual. Not everyone in our group is as intrepid as Mats and I who adventurously try everything on offer.
Day Three
On day three, we make our way to Fort Cochin, a couple of hours from the backwaters. The buildings here are yellow, green and pink. Our cameras capture large birds and flowers against a backdrop of green.
Now it’s time for some of the team to head into Delhi. The rest of us are going to Salem to see how our woven fabrics are made. Salem is the hub for textile production and weaving in India. This is going to be so interesting to see, as I haven’t been back for many, many years.
Day Three
On day three, we make our way to Fort Cochin, a couple of hours from the backwaters. The buildings here are yellow, green and pink. Our cameras capture large birds and flowers against a backdrop of green.
Now it’s time for some of the team to head into Delhi. The rest of us are going to Salem to see how our woven fabrics are made. Salem is the hub for textile production and weaving in India. This is going to be so interesting to see, as I haven’t been back for many, many years.
At the Weaving Mills
We visit several facilities – ranging from small-scale, artisanal workshops to mediumsized factories with power looms, and large mills where spinning, dyeing and weaving all take place under one roof. Our conversations touch on certifications and the various permits now required in the textile production industry. I must express my admiration for those who have so swiftly adapted to all the standards set by the European Union and other global players. There has been a focus on water purification in recent years. Today, no factory is allowed to operate without a closed-loop water system and proper certification.
At the Weaving Mills
We visit several facilities – ranging from small-scale, artisanal workshops to mediumsized factories with power looms, and large mills where spinning, dyeing and weaving all take place under one roof. Our conversations touch on certifications and the various permits now required in the textile production industry. I must express my admiration for those who have so swiftly adapted to all the standards set by the European Union and other global players. There has been a focus on water purification in recent years. Today, no factory is allowed to operate without a closed-loop water system and proper certification.
Bit loom
I’m really eager to see the Bit Loom weaving mill. A traditional weaving mill, where all the new checks and stripes are produced by hand. I see old-fashioned wooden looms there, just like those used by handweavers in Sweden. It is fascinating to witness such fine artisanal skill still thriving today. Despite the sweltering heat outside, a pleasant breeze flows through the weaving halls.
Later that day, we take the evening flight from Coimbatore to Delhi. We land in the middle of the night and check in at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. They put me in room no. 617 again – it all feels so familiar and comfortable. I brought my own pillow with me. It’s soft and flat so I sleep really well. I pull out a sheet of paper in the morning and sketch striped and checked garments while all the inspiring things I’ve seen are still fresh in my mind.
Bit loom
I’m really eager to see the Bit Loom weaving mill. A traditional weaving mill, where all the new checks and stripes are produced by hand. I see old-fashioned wooden looms there, just like those used by handweavers in Sweden. It is fascinating to witness such fine artisanal skill still thriving today. Despite the sweltering heat outside, a pleasant breeze flows through the weaving halls.
Later that day, we take the evening flight from Coimbatore to Delhi. We land in the middle of the night and check in at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. They put me in room no. 617 again – it all feels so familiar and comfortable. I brought my own pillow with me. It’s soft and flat so I sleep really well. I pull out a sheet of paper in the morning and sketch striped and checked garments while all the inspiring things I’ve seen are still fresh in my mind.
Coimbatore
I’ll call my checked and striped design Coimbatore – lots of checks and lots of colours!
Browsing through the 1989 SUMMER CATALOGUE brings back memories of our trip all those years ago. Realise also what major improvements have taken place in India since then.
