MBF X India Art Fair X Bodice

This collaboration brings together heritage, craft, and contemporary design through a meaningful dialogue between The Mayurbhanj Foundation, India Art Fair, and Bodice.

Rooted in the cultural landscape of Mayurbhanj, the Foundation works closely with local artisan communities to revive and sustain indigenous practices. At the heart of this collaboration lies the Futa (Phuta) textile—a rare handwoven fabric native to the region.

Traditionally woven on pit looms by local communities, Futa is crafted using coarse, handspun yarns that give it a distinct tactile quality. Historically used as a utilitarian fabric—often for everyday wraps and coverings—it carries a quiet resilience and authenticity. Its beauty lies in its irregularity: subtle textures, raw finishes, and an understated character that reflects the rhythm of handmaking. Over time, as industrial fabrics replaced handmade cloth, this textile practice began to fade, making revival efforts both urgent and meaningful.

Reimagined through the design lens of Bodice, these textiles have been transformed into a series of thoughtfully crafted bags that balance functionality with quiet luxury. Each piece reflects a deep respect for material, process, and provenance—bridging rural craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.

Presented at India Art Fair, the collaboration highlights the importance of preserving lesser-known textile traditions while creating new narratives for them within global design conversations.

More than just objects, these bags are carriers of stories—of community, continuity, and conscious creation.