They are the silent workforce — those who work their magic, away from the glitz, glamour and the flashbulbs of the heady fashion world. We decided to go behind the scenes to meet these karigars (craftsmen) to put a face to the intricate designs and weaves that they create with threads, embellishments and colours, as they measure every detail to ensure that the garment retains the exquisiteness of the original idea.

Embroidery on a lehenga being done by the karigars at Manish Malhotra’s workshop. Pics/ Atul Kamble