Songs Of Siren: A Tribute To Indian Master Artisans
Indian artisan communities have quietly powered the global fashion industry for decades, their extraordinary skills often uncredited despite driving major luxury collections. From Prada's interpretation of traditional Kolhapuri sandals to Louis Vuitton's autorickshaw-inspired bags and Gucci's custom sari for actress Alia Bhatt at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the fashion world increasingly turns to India for inspiration, yet the master craftspeople behind these techniques remain largely invisible.
Designer Tinka Weener is changing that narrative with her couture label Songs of Siren, launched in late 2024. Drawing from her experience freelance styling for Alexander McQueen and working across retail, photography, and fashion PR in Los Angeles, Weener has created a brand that doesn't just borrow from Indian traditions, but celebrates them as the centerpiece of every collection.
A Modern Mythology Rooted in Ancient Indian Craft
"The collection is positioned as a modern interpretation of timeless tales, celebrating the power and allure of femininity in a contemporary context," Weener explains. While her brand takes its name from Greek mythology and reimagines sirens not as dangerous temptresses but as powerful feminine archetypes, the soul of Songs of Siren lies in India's textile heritage.
Her debut collection features intricate hand-beading and sculptural silhouettes designed to make women look and feel their best. The meticulous detail and artistry found in traditional Indian embroidery techniques are meant to empower the wearer, a concept deeply inspired by her time at Alexander McQueen, where she witnessed firsthand how exceptional craftsmanship could transform both garment and wearer.
Songs of Siren's luxury garments range in price from $895 to $1,250 and is made for the modern ... More woman.
Authentic Indian Collaboration, Not Cultural Appropriation
Shot in Mumbai and creatively directed by Indiana Vos, Songs of Siren's latest campaign serves as a vibrant love letter to India's rich textile traditions. But this isn't surface-level inspiration. In fact, Weener has built her entire creative and production team around authentic Indian collaboration.
Working with Indian stylist Shrreeya Shorewala, the campaign incorporates traditional accessories and clothing pieces including saris, potli bags, and dhoti pants. The models are women of South Asian descent wearing culturally inspired accessories. "There is this elegance and confidence in Indian women that you cannot find anywhere else," Weener notes. "Everyone is so warm and welcoming and they really make me feel at home whenever I'm there."
This approach stands in stark contrast to fashion's tendency to reduce rich cultural traditions to "bohemian" trends mixed with Western wear. Instead, Songs of Siren places Indian craftsmanship at the focus, giving it the respect and recognition it deserves.
The Art of Aari: Preserving Ancient Indian Techniques
At the heart of Weener's collections lies the Aari technique, which is an embroidery method using a hooked needle that requires extraordinary skill and patience. Craftsmen sit on the floor, one hand plying the sharp needle from above while the other feeds silk thread from below the fabric. It's painstakingly time-consuming and detail-oriented work, with each piece emerging as a unique work of art.
Tinka merges Greek and Biblical symbolism with India's ancient textile wisdom, resulting in a body ... More of work that feels both divine and deeply rooted.
"I love how it's the polar opposite of what a lot of fashion brands do in this day and age," Weener explains. "It's not focused on speed and overconsumption. I wanted to create a brand that slows down the process and focuses on the human aspect to create truly timeless pieces of wearable art."
Working with Anurag Vora, Co-Founder of Ricamour Embroideries, Weener communicates her vision through drawings, mood boards, and inspiration images. The collaborative process involves multiple stages: creating small swatches for feedback, developing artwork for beading on dress panels, and maintaining constant communication through work-in-progress photos and videos to ensure the final pieces align perfectly with her creative vision.
Ethical Conditions Are Cornerstone Of This Indian-Inspired Brand
In an industry facing increasing scrutiny over labor practices such as the recent expose of Italian luxury brand Loro Piana over worker abuse, Weener has made ethical conditions non-negotiable. Her partner atelier focuses intensively on fair labor practices and ethical working conditions, providing not just fair wages and paid annual leave, but government-mandated pensions and private health insurance that extends to workers' families.
During Diwali, the annual Festival of Lights, artisans receive annual bonuses, with top performers earning higher rewards for exceptional work. The atelier also provides interest-free loans to help craftspeople buy houses or land, ensuring their families' long-term financial security. This comprehensive approach to worker welfare stands as a model for how fashion brands can operate ethically while producing extraordinary work.
Recognizing And Celebrating Indian Fashion
More than commercial success, Songs of Siren represents a fundamental shift in how fashion brands can engage with cultural traditions. Rather than extracting inspiration without acknowledgment, Weener has built her entire brand around showcasing and celebrating Indian artisanship on the global stage.
"We produce in India and work directly with extraordinarily skilled artisans," she emphasizes. "We want to highlight their incredible work and demonstrate that we are not outsourcing or trying to hide where our garments come from. Their artistry, attention to detail, and brilliance help bring our creative vision to life, and we want to celebrate that."
Thhe Aari technique is known for producing intricate and detailed designs which is commonly used ... More with beads, sequins, and metallic threads.
Each garment tells a story of collaboration and respect, transforming fashion from cultural appropriation into genuine partnership. The campaign brings India's master craftspeople into the spotlight where they belong: not as hidden labor, but as celebrated artists.
"My ultimate goal is for everyone who wears one of these pieces to feel confident and proud," Weener concludes. 'I want them to know that they are wearing a work of art, infused with history and created with passion. This is about empowering through fashion and giving a global platform to the incredible Indian artisans who are the true stars of this project.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
India bans streaming apps you've never heard of — but millions watch
India has ordered the blocking of 25 streaming services — many with millions of viewers and even paying subscribers — for allegedly promoting 'obscene' content, in one of the South Asian nation's biggest digital crackdowns yet. The order affects lesser-known, but wildly popular services like Ullu and ALTT that cater to the country's mass-market appetite for adult and edgy entertainment. This week, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued directives to block access to websites and apps linked to 25 streaming services, citing provisions of the Information Technology Act of 2000 and the IT Rules of 2021, TechCrunch learned. The order came months after the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology raised concerns about mature content being streamed on these platforms without adequate safeguards. The Indian government contacted internet service providers and app stores, including Google Play and the Apple App Store, earlier this week to restrict these streaming services, a source privy to the matter told TechCrunch. Some of these services, especially the major ones with millions of subscribers, remained live at the time of filing this article. Google and Apple did not respond to requests for comment. The information and broadcasting minister also did not respond to an email sent Friday. Of the 25 streaming services, 10 offered in-app purchases through their apps on Google Play and the App Store, generating a cumulative $5.7 million since launch with nearly 105 million downloads, per the Appfigures data exclusively shared with TechCrunch. The wide gap between in-app purchases and downloads is primarily due to their low subscription costs — significantly lower than Netflix and other global platforms in India. Notably, some of these streaming services were either never listed on traditional app stores or had been removed earlier, and instead offered their apps as direct APK downloads. As of publication, some of these APK files were still accessible through their websites or third-party platforms. Earlier this month, Indian production company Balaji Telefilms, the parent of ALTT, disclosed that its streaming app generated ₹202.6 million ($2.3 million) in revenue by adding 1.06 million subscribers in 2025. ALTT's content was watched for more than 5.8 million hours, garnering 160 million annual views, the company said. ALTT's app was no longer available for download through Google Play and the App Store in India, and its website was inaccessible on most Indian ISPs at the time of filing this article. Balaji Telefilms did not respond to a request for comment on the ban. Ullu, another relatively prominent streaming service named by the Indian government, remained available via its app on the Indian Play Store, and its website was accessible as well. The service's iOS app, however, was not available for download from the Indian App Store. Ullu Digital, the parent company of Ullu, reported a net profit of ₹212.3 million ($2.5 million) for the financial year 2024, per its regulatory filing reviewed by TechCrunch. The company posted a revenue of ₹931.4 million ($11 million) and declared a net worth of ₹2.08 billion ($24 million). Ullu Digital did not respond to requests for comment. Alongside millions of dollars in subscription revenue, these streaming services were also attracting millions of global visits to their websites. Ullu saw nearly 10% year-over-year growth in worldwide traffic, reaching 1.9 million visits in June, while ALTT recorded over 130% growth to 776,400, per Similarweb. In India, Ullu recorded 18.9% year-over-year growth, reaching 1.8 million visits, while ALTT saw a 157.8% increase to 696,200 visits, Similarweb data shows. Importantly, this is not the first time the streaming business has seen a crackdown in India. Global platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, often face instances of censorship by the Indian government. However, even stricter actions are seen in cases of obscenity despite a lack of clarity on regulations, as watching explicit content featuring fully consensual interactions between adult actors in a private space is not a crime. In 2023, the then Indian information broadcasting minister warned streaming platforms not to serve abusive and obscene content. New Delhi has also blocked thousands of websites streaming pornographic content. On a plea to regulate sexually explicit content in April this year, India's Supreme Court also issued notices to streaming platforms and the Indian government. That said, curbing obscene content remains a challenge even for the Indian government. Smaller streaming services — like those targeted in this crackdown — often reappear under new names, apps, and domains. It is equally difficult for intermediaries like Google, Apple, and internet providers to fully block access, as these platforms often spread through alternative channels and use social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to attract viewers.
TechCrunch
14 hours ago
- TechCrunch
India bans streaming apps you've never heard of — but millions watch
India has ordered the blocking of 25 streaming services — many with millions of viewers and even paying subscribers — for allegedly promoting 'obscene' content, in one of the South Asian nation's biggest digital crackdowns yet. The order affects lesser-known, but wildly popular services like Ullu and ALTT that cater to the country's mass-market appetite for adult and edgy entertainment. This week, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued directives to block access to websites and apps linked to 25 streaming services, citing provisions of the Information Technology Act of 2000 and the IT Rules of 2021, TechCrunch learned. The order came months after the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology raised concerns about mature content being streamed on these platforms without adequate safeguards. The Indian government contacted internet service providers and app stores, including Google Play and the Apple App Store earlier this week to restrict these streaming services, a source privy to the matter told TechCrunch. Some of these services, especially the major ones with millions of subscribers, remained live at the time of filing this article. Google and Apple did not respond to requests for comment. The information and broadcasting minister also did not respond to an email sent Friday. Of the 25 streaming services, 10 offered in-app purchases through their apps on Google Play and the App Store, generating a cumulative $5.7 million since launch with nearly 105 million downloads, per the Appfigures data exclusively shared with TechCrunch. The wide gap between in-app purchases and downloads is primarily due to their low subscription costs — significantly lower than Netflix and other global platforms in India. Techcrunch event Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They're here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise. Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They're here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise. San Francisco | REGISTER NOW Lifetime totals of banned streaming services from Google Play and Apple App Store Image Credits:Appfigures Notably, some of these streaming services were either never listed on traditional app stores or had been removed earlier, and instead offered their apps as direct APK downloads. As of publication, some of these APK files were still accessible through their websites or third-party platforms. Earlier this month, Indian production company Balaji Telefilms, the parent of ALTT, disclosed that its streaming app generated ₹202.6 million ($2.3 million) in revenue by adding 1.06 million subscribers in 2025. ALTT's content was watched for more than 5.8 million hours, garnering 160 million annual views, the company said. ALTT's app was no longer available for download through Google Play and the App Store in India, and its website was inaccessible on most Indian ISPs at the time of filing this article. Balaji Telefilms did not respond to a request for comment on the ban. Ullu, another relatively prominent streaming service named by the Indian government, remained available via its app on the Indian Play Store, and its website was accessible as well. The service's iOS app, however, was not available for download from the Indian App Store. Ullu Digital, the parent company of Ullu, reported a net profit of ₹212.3 million ($2.5 million) for the financial year 2024, per its regulatory filing reviewed by TechCrunch. The company posted a revenue of ₹931.4 million ($11 million) and declared a net worth of ₹2.08 billion ($24 million). Ullu Digital did not respond to requests for comment. Alongside millions of dollars in subscription revenue, these streaming services were also attracting millions of global visits to their websites. Image Credits:SimilarWeb Ullu saw nearly 10% year-over-year growth in worldwide traffic, reaching 1.9 million visits in June, while ALTT recorded over 130% growth to 776,400, per SimilarWeb. In India, Ullu recorded 18.9% year-over-year growth, reaching 1.8 million visits, while ALTT saw a 157.8% increase to 696,200 visits, SimilarWeb data shows. Image Credits:SimilarWeb Importantly, this is not the first time the streaming business has seen a crackdown in India. Global platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Netflix often face instances of censorship by the Indian government. However, even stricter actions are seen in cases of obscenity despite a lack of clarity on regulations, as watching explicit content featuring fully consensual interactions between adult actors in a private space is not a crime. In 2023, the then Indian information broadcasting minister warned streaming platforms not to serve abusive and obscene content. New Delhi has also blocked thousands of websites streaming pornographic content. On a plea to regulate sexually explicit content in April this year, India's Supreme Court also issued notices to streaming platforms and the Indian government. That said, curbing obscene content remains a challenge even for the Indian government. Smaller streaming services — like those targeted in this crackdown — often reappear under new names, apps, and domains. It is equally difficult for intermediaries like Google, Apple, and internet providers to fully block access, as these platforms often spread through alternative channels and use social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to attract viewers.
Elle
16 hours ago
- Elle
Every Selena Gomez Hair Era, From Teen Waves to the Sleek Platinum Bob
Few can say they skipped past the awkward teen phase of questionable makeup choices and embarrassing hair moments, but Selena Gomez is one of them. Journeying through a decades worth of TV episodes, music videos, red carpet appearances, and Instagram posts is far more inspiring than it is cringe-worthy. The big-bounce curly blow-dry I'm still trying to master? She perfected it back in 2010. Her lived-in caramel balayage and wispy bangs of 2016? I'm taking it to my hairdresser this month. 'Selena has this amazing ability to switch effortlessly from one genre to another,' says Neale Rodger, style director at STIL Salon in London. 'She's mastered retro waves, sleek, center-parted lobs, ashy blondes, retro-inspired updos, supermodel lengths, full-coverage bangs…practically everything.' Though the Rare Beauty founder has never strayed far from her chocolate tresses, she's served up heaps of hairstyle inspiration since she arrived on TV screens in 2007, and each look is as covetable and copy-worthy today as it was then. Whether it's her chest-length natural curls in 2014, her blonde experiments in 2017, or the chic tousled lob she recently debuted, where better to look than the Gomez archives when your brunette lengths are in need of a facelift? Ahead, we've curated a timeline of Gomez's most iconic hair looks from her Wizards of Waverly Place days to now. Congratulations, Sel! We all know how important a crisp, understated mani is when we hear wedding bells, but she also reminded us to remember our hairdo. Her baroque bob is fairly simple: it's a one-length, blunt cut, but it's the styling that sets it apart. Blown-out and flicked-in, its name derives from the elaborate charm of early 17th-century art and architecture. 'Health and wealth signaling are two key themes in hair trends at the moment, and this luxurious yet modern look ticks both boxes very well,' shares hair forecaster Tom Smith. She turned heads with her shoulder-grazing long bob at the world premiere of the new Disney spin-off show, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. With a singular loose wave, positioned skillfully beside her jaw to enhance and define her face shape, this lob screams elegance and sophistication. Her equestrian-style ponytail was a standout red carpet moment at the Emilia Pérez premiere, which took place at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival. Neatly slicked and elegantly perched at the crown of her head, this sleek updo is incredibly glamorous and complimented her off-the-shoulder gown perfectly. Looking to put a new-season twist on your monochrome tresses? Feather a honey blonde hue in and around the hair. It adds subtle dimension and feels different enough when you look in the mirror, without completely transforming your look. Gomez demonstrates that perfectly here. The French-girl bob has never looked so chic. It has enough Parisian charm and sultry, just-rolled-out-of-bed texture to last a lifetime. To recreate the look at home, lift the hair away from the face and mist a texturizing spray into the roots. Or, just roll out of bed! At this 2019 meet-and-greet in California, Gomez proved that brunette balayage really can be subtle. Not a blonde strand in sight; instead, her inky roots graduate into a mousy hazel-brown, adding depth without stark demarcation. Who remembers blond Selena? Spotted out and about in London in 2017, the megastar styled her newly buttered lengths into a boho-style wave and with wispy full fringe. Brunettes, take note: incorporating a root smudge is key to masking harsh regrowth if you're considering taking the platinum plunge. The bangs that made us all want bangs. We're still obsessed with her wispy fringe and syrupy caramel balayage era. At Louis Vuitton's cruise 2016 show in California, Gomez subbed her signature chestnut hue for this near-black shade. Loosely crimped to add natural texture? Very 2015. Some may say Gomez was ahead of her time with these copper-brown highlights. Playing to her hair's natural undertone, these ultra-warm strands instantly add depth and dimension without being overwhelming. For the 2011 American Music Awards, Gomez tried an Old Hollywood curl on for size, paired with a swept side part and a finish so glossy it's literally reflecting light. Perhaps my favorite look of all. The 22nd Annual MuchMusic Video Awards in 2011 saw Gomez sport a tighter ringlet-style curl than she'd worn previously. To replicate this look, resist brushing your curls out once cooled and apply hairspray to set them in place. The highly covetable blow-dry in question. Gomez was in her element at the 2010 Wizards of Waverly Place fashion show, where her natural chocolate strands were perfectly coiffed into a voluminous, bouncy curl. Her layers serve this style well, adding body and shape to give the appearance of thicker hair. In 2009, Gomez debuted a rounded bob with a thin side-fringe and fine, golden highlights. This shapely crop would go on to become her go-to hairstyle, experimenting with various fringes, lengths, and textures to boot. The 2008 NCLR Alma Awards saw Gomez gather her glossy espresso tresses into a loose bun, fit with a swooping side-fringe. Asymmetry was all the rage in 2008: think ponytails, fringes, plaits, and buns all worn off-center. Perhaps her most iconic and internet-famous hairstyle of all? This electric blue moment for the 2007 Teen Vogue Party, of course (cue the viral interview clip). A very Alex Russo move, if you ask us.
