Comet Brings Traditional Ajrakh Craft to Contemporary Sneakers

Comet has introduced a new sneaker collection inspired by the centuries-old art of Ajrakh hand-block printing. The craft comes from Ajrakhpur in Gujarat. The collection uses original Ajrakh fabric instead of digitally printed designs. It is available in three colourways: Cream, Red and Black.

Design Begins with the Fabric

Comet followed a material-first approach while creating the collection. Instead of starting with the sneaker shape, the team began with the fabric. The scale of the motifs, detailed patterns and natural colours then guided the design and construction.

As a result, the textile plays a key role in the look of each sneaker. The original fabric also gives every pair a distinct character.

Made Using Traditional Ajrakh Techniques

Each pair features original Ajrakh fabric, hand-block-printed in Ajrakhpur. The process involves several layers of hand-applied printing and can take up to three weeks for each cloth.

Artisans use traditional methods and natural colours from materials such as madder root, rusted iron, lime and gum. These steps create rich patterns and depth in the fabric. Moreover, the handmade process gives the textile a unique look that digital printing cannot match.

Collection Inspired by Ajrakhpur and Kutch

To learn more about the craft, the Comet team travelled to Ajrakhpur. There, they spent time with local artisans and experienced the process behind the fabric.

The team also photographed the campaign in the white desert of Kutch, Gujarat. The wide landscape creates a striking contrast with the detailed patterns and colours of Ajrakh.

Three Colourways for Different Styles

The collection is available in three colour options, each with its own look:

• Cream: A light and versatile option.
• Red: A bold choice with a strong visual appeal.
• Black: A more subtle and understated style.

With this collection, Comet brings an Indian textile tradition into modern sneaker design. It also places original hand-block-printed fabric at the centre of contemporary footwear.