In the tranquil village of Umden-Diwon in Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya, a quiet yet impactful transformation is underway. Known as India’s first certified Eri Silk Village, this region is making waves in the world of sustainable textiles by nurturing Ryndia Silk. This entirely vegan silk is rapidly gaining global attention. 

The Essence of Eri Silk: Kindness Woven into Fabric

Unlike traditional silk that involves boiling silkworms in their cocoons, Eri silk is harvested only after the moth emerges naturally, making it the rarest and only truly cruelty-free silk in the world. Also known as Ahimsa Silk in Assam, where it holds a GI tag, this ethically produced fibre offers a soft matte glow, excellent breathability, and remarkable strength. 

Depending on production methods, either hand-spun or machine-spun, Eri silk commands premium prices ranging between ?2,300 and ?4,000 per kilogram, marking it as a luxury textile of a gentler kind. 

From Traditional Attire to Contemporary Décor

Historically used in shawls, stoles, and saris, Eri silk is now finding new life beyond the fashion industry. Designers and artisans are incorporating it into home textile decor products such as cushion covers, throws, and even textile wall art, blending traditional craft with modern aesthetics. 

Leading this movement is TATI Assam, founded by 30-year-old designer Silpita Gogoi, an NIFT Mumbai alumna. Returning to her roots during the pandemic, Gogoi revived the nearly forgotten mati haal loom and worked with the Mishing community to produce hand-embroidered Eri silk décor that transforms living spaces into heritage-rich environments. 

Growing Global Footprint

Eri silk’s appeal is extending beyond India. UK-based brand Ellie Home offers vegan silk pillowcases and hand-spun throws sourced from We Are Kal, while designers from Assam, like Pinashi D Khataniar and Aneesha Hussain of Green Steps, use eco-friendly dyes and traditional block prints to create textiles now shipped to homes in Atlanta and Chicago. 

According to artisans, the more Eri silk is used, the softer it becomes, an attribute that only enhances its allure in décor segments dominated by tactile experience. 

Textile Art Meets Contemporary Design

Not all Eri applications are confined to soft furnishings. Ahmedabad-based spatial designer Ariane Thakore Ginwala, through This and That Studio, is pioneering textile art installations using naturally dyed Eri silk. Her Aagor Collection features wall hangings and sculptural pieces that marry artisanal weaving with architectural sensibilities. 

Sustainable Luxury Redefined

Instead of boisterous glamour, Eri silk’s luxury lies in its subtlety, through touch, longevity, and the philosophy of choosing cruelty-free, sustainable materials in a world increasingly conscious of ethical consumption. This quietly woven revolution is not just reshaping design trends but also opening a new chapter in the global narrative of responsible luxury.