Meet Sarah Zellweger, the founder of SZ Blockprints, who is restoring historic Indian block prints into printing circulation. These vibrant intricate designs are more than just clothing but history. Carrying forward the tradition of a fourth-generation, multigenerational block printing studio established by Kitty Rae, SZ Blockprints is introducing these exquisite designs to well-known retailers like J Crew. Read on to learn more about SZ Blockprints.

Where are you based?
Lisboa. We just moved here as a family after 14 years in East London.

What inspired you to start designing block prints?
The exquisite nature of the block printing process and the relationships within.

What inspired you to focus on creating traditional Indian block prints? Can you tell us about the historical and cultural significance of traditional Indian block printing?
Wood block carving and printing goes back to the 13th century in India. It is an aged, historic process completely handed down by apprenticeship and hours (and years) of honing one’s skills.

Your designs look amazing. We heard that rather than featuring new blocks your brand revives traditional Indian block prints. What is the process for determining designs like?
Yes. Although we do create new blocks, the majority of our blocks are aged, historic blocks from the 1960’s. Truthfully, this process began by spending hours in the printing studio of my partners in Jaipur going through boxes and racks of old blocks — speaking to the Master Printers about how old the blocks are and that purpose the prints served. We began repairing old blocks and putting blocks together which haven’t been touched in 60 years — sort of like a puzzle. The entire process is one of discovery and also a renewed longevity of the prints.

You work with 120 skilled artisans in India, why is this important to SZ Blockprints?
Our team of skilled artisans involved at every stage of our production are the heart beat and soul of SZ. The amount of hands which touch one of our garments during our entire cycle of production, and the joy, pride and energy which goes into this system, is the reason our products are so very special. I firmly believe that handmade garments possess a certain energy which makes them timeless and so important. To me a hand made product is the highest form of luxury.

What message do you hope to convey to those who wear your prints?
I love this question! We do what we do to instill love and joy into the world. I hope more than anything, wearing a piece from SZ Blockprints makes you feel radiant and special. I hope you also know you are part of our community — one that champions slow and sustainable style from the ground up. I hope wearing SZ gives you a smile.

We heard that you collaborated with J. Crew. What is it like to see your prints in- store?
Incredible, beyond my wildest dreams. I have been a hardcore J.Crew head since middle school, so getting to work with such an iconic brand has been exceptional. They are wonderful partners who really believe in SZ and have allowed us so much exposure to their customer group.

What are your hopes for the future of the brand?
So many. In terms of the evolution and continuation of supporting and championing hand block print in Jaipur, I hope to continue developing the skill of our printers and continually offer this artisan career path with consistency and robust financial opportunity. I hope to keep the entire chain of artisans and community members we work with in Jaipur under the financial care of the company — health care, pension, we even have a cow diary which our artisan’s utilize. In terms of developing our product, we are exploring new avenues to display our printing, such as fabric by the yard and more bedding, so this also feels really exciting. I love what we do so much and have so much passion for it. My greatest hope is to cement our place in the industry, continuing to reach our customers and create joy in the world through our prints.

Sustainability has been the topic of discussion in the textile and fashion industry. What initiatives has your brand taken to address the social issue?
Many! Being such a small brand whose production is 100% done by hand, we are a low impact brand. We utilize sustainable practices of recycling textile scraps and surplus as much as possible. Our tags for instance, are made of textile scraps which are pulped and then turned into paper. Our linings for our tote bags always refuse fabric. We are continually having the conversation about producing only exactly what we know we will sell.

The fashion industry is known for fast fashion and overconsumption. How do your creations encourage a more sustainable and conscious approach to fashion?
Absolutely. Every we do, we do in small batch production — really only creating what we know, through experience, will sell. Our customers know this and come to us when they are ready to make an investment. My biggest dream is that people will love their SZ session after season and grow with our pieces. A closetful of SZ dresses being given to the next generation and being thrifted for 50 years would make my heart just burst.

Ethical production is a growing concern in the fashion and textile industry. Can you tell us about your approach to ensuring ethical production?
Absolutely. We are blessed to have incredible Jaipurian partners who started the workshop where we print and produce in the 1960’s. It is truly a family, and many of the printers have been there since the beginning — everyone takes care of one another and the sense of pride and belonging is immense. Because our scale is so small, I am able to personally trace and know each member of our team.

What advice would you give to aspiring block print creators who wish to learn and preserve this traditional art form?
I would say spend as much time as possible in the workshop, as this is where I learned every single thing. Listen and be open and never take even one second for granted!

Are there any exciting upcoming projects you would like to share?
Yes, we have just launched our fabric by the yard which we are thrilled about. People can directly order printed upholstery fabric from us for their various projects in their home decor. I cannot wait to make my SZ room!

It has been a crazy past few years, how have you been staying positive?
Gratitude each and every day is my practice. And limiting social media. I turn my phone onto airplane mode most nights by 8pm so I have some hours offline. It is so important to come back to myself and be with my kids and husband.

What is your motto in life?
Not sure I have just one, but tell people you love them! It is so important. Fostering relationships built in love and laughter are the medicine and tonic for everything that is hard.

To learn more about SZ Blockprints, check out the links below:
SZ Blockprints
Instagram: @szblockprints

SZ Blockprints - Unveiling Timeless Beauty