A Lifetime Chasing Fabrics: John Gillow Unfurls the Secrets of ‘The Silk Road’ at iLEAD

A Lifetime Chasing Fabrics: John Gillow Unfurls the Secrets of ‘The Silk Road’ at iLEAD

On September 24, 2025, the fashion department of iLEAD hosted a special session featuring the renowned author, collector, and textile expert John Gillow in collaboration with SUTRA Textile Studies.

The program commenced with a warm welcome speech by Ms. Dipali Singhi (Principal of iLEAD), who introduced John Gillow, a "legend in the world of textiles" and a "passionate preserver of culture." Following the introduction, Ms. Singhi felicitated the esteemed guest. The hosts expressed their pleasure in having such a distinguished personality share his knowledge and experiences with the audience, which included faculty, students, and other respected attendees.

The talk, titled "The Silk Road," delved into the deep history of this ancient trade route, where the topic perfectly suited to Gillow's expertise. Drawing from his extensive travels and research across continents, he took the audience on a journey through time and fabric. The textiles played a role in connecting diverse cultures, from the desert tribes of Africa to the ancient looms of Asia.

Gillow's presentation was a fascinating blend of historical context and personal stories. He discussed his lifetime of "chasing fabrics and traditions across continents," revealing how he unearthed some of the most extraordinary textile treasures ever collected. With his unrivalled eye for detail, he demonstrated how each piece of fabric reveals the soul of a community and the stories of its people.

The session was particularly enriched by his profound knowledge, which is reflected in his many published works. He touched upon themes from his books, including "Indian Textiles," "Traditional Indonesian Textiles," "World Textiles," and his latest, "Textiles of the Islamic World." Since all of these directly relate to the regions traversed by the Silk Road, he also gifted a copy of "World Textiles" to the iLEAD library for their students. His insights offered a unique perspective, bridging the gap between academic study and the hands-on experience of a world-renowned traveller and collector.

The audience was enthralled by Gillow’s ability to weave a narrative that went beyond the threads and patterns, emphasising the cultural significance and historical value of each textile. The lecture concluded with a resounding applause, as the attendees were privileged to have been part of the event. The day inspired participants to view the world of textiles with a renewed appreciation to boost their knowledge in the fashion design industry.