The City Palace now has a new attraction for tourists visiting the Pink City as well as the discerning shoppers of Jaipur — the PDKF store by the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation. The PDKF outlet showcases the work of the women artisans trained at the foundation to the domestic as well as global audience. Taking inspiration from Jaipur, the products are a contemporary adaptation of the traditional crafts of Rajasthan. The collection has been designed by the daughter of Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur, Princess Gauravi Kumari and French designer, Claire Deroo.
Princess Gauravi Kumari said: “ Each product at the PDKF store has been intricately handcrafted by the women of the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation. The store is an endeavour to showcase the artistic skills, innate talent and hard work of these women to a global audience as well as engage more women in Rajasthan and across the country. It will also pave ways for their economic and overall empowerment. All proceeds from the sale of the products will go towards the Foundation.”
It is noteworthy that an entry ticket to the City Palace is not required to visit the store. One can visit the store through Gate number 1 of City Palace near Jantar Mantar. The products at the store are a true reflection of Rajasthan, its culture and heritage crafts. They are an elegant and beautiful adaptation of traditional Rajasthani heritage motifs mixed with contemporary design sensibilities, on a global level. The collection ranges from apparel for men, women and kids to home ware as well as accessories and mainly features old techniques with modern and trendy designs.
PDKF trains women on heritage and traditional craft techniques like Gotapatti, thread work, appliqué, block printing etc. It has been working for over 7 years for the empowerment of disadvantaged women and girls in the rural areas of Rajasthan. PDKF works in 5 centres across Rajasthan – Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur and Rajsamand. A new cluster has also developed in Ajmer and more cluster dedicated to crafts are in the offing. The core program areas are skill building & livelihoods, girls’ education, financial and digital literacy and health & hygiene.