Naqsh | Atelier 02

Black & Ivory

Some of the most enduring heritage textiles were printed in just two colours: the deep black of iron and the soft ivory of undyed cloth. Atelier 02 returns to that classic pairing, translated by Samina Butt into Pakistani raw silk and printed entirely by hand.

The ivory shirt carries a framed front panel of trailing vines and floral sprays, set in black between fine ornamental bands, with a printed border at the hem and scattered buti across the back. Against it, the black dupatta is the statement: ivory buti motifs fall across its length, bordered by a wide, richly detailed ivory edge. Calm on one side and dramatic on the other, the two pieces are designed to be worn together.

The Naqsh Collection

Naqsh is Kalamkaari's signature block print collection: heritage motifs carved into wooden blocks and printed by hand, in a style that has defined Samina Butt's work for more than twenty-five years. Each design is a study in restraint, where pattern, border and colour are placed with the care of a fine art composition.

Design Highlights

• Ivory raw silk shirt with black hand block printed front panel
• Trailing vine and floral motifs framed by ornamental bands
• Printed hem border and scattered buti across the back
• Black dupatta with ivory buti and a wide ornamental border
• Plain ivory trouser to complete the ensemble
• Unstitched, to be tailored to your own silhouette

Product Details

The Shirt

An ivory raw silk ground with a black hand block printed front panel: vertical bands of trailing vines and floral sprays, framed by fine ornamental borders. A printed border defines the hem, and delicate buti motifs are scattered across the back.

The Dupatta

Black raw silk printed with ivory buti along its length and finished with a wide, intricately detailed ivory border. It brings depth and drama to the ensemble and frames the shirt beautifully when draped.

The Trouser

A plain ivory raw silk trouser completes the set, a quiet foundation that lets the printed shirt and dupatta lead.

Styling

Black and ivory invite silver. Oxidised jhumkas, a fine silver cuff and embellished ivory khussas keep the look refined. For evening, let the dupatta fall over one shoulder so its border frames the printed panel, and keep everything else minimal.

Craftsmanship & Print Variation

Every Kalamkaari piece is printed by hand, block by block. Slight variations in placement, depth of colour and texture are the signature of the artisan's hand, and make each piece entirely its own.

Colour Note

Colours may appear slightly different on screen due to photography, lighting and display settings.

Caring for Your Raw Silk

Hand block printed raw silk is a living textile. Treated gently, it will keep its texture and the clarity of every impression for years to come.

• Dry clean only is recommended, to protect both the raw silk and the hand-printed colours.
• If hand washing is unavoidable, use cold water and a mild, pH-neutral silk detergent. Wash separately and do not soak.
• Never wring or twist. Press out water gently, roll in a clean towel and dry flat in the shade.
• Keep away from direct sunlight, which can fade natural block print colours.
• Iron on the reverse at a low silk setting, with a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric.
• Apply perfume and deodorant before dressing, never directly onto the fabric.
• Store folded in a muslin or cotton cloth, never in plastic, in a cool, dry place. Refold occasionally along new lines so creases do not set.

Disclaimer: Some images of this piece are AI-generated to show how it may be styled and worn. Actual colour and print may differ slightly. Please refer to the studio photographs for the truest representation.