New Delhi, Oct. 24 -- Did you know that the sweeping cape often seen on red carpets and fashion runways is a version of aatmasukh (Hindi for "comfort to the soul"), a garment from western India that dates back to the 17th century? The ruching popular on dresses and tops today has a traditional counterpart in the blouses worn by the Rabaris of Kutch, Gujarat, where the fabric is gathered into fine pleats at the centre front and sides. Or that historically, children's garments in Gujarat and Rajasthan featured embroidered symbols to ward off the evil eye, with a stylised scorpion among the most common motifs?

These are among the details in textile designer Madhurima Patni's new book, The Stitched & The Draped: Textiles and Garments of Guja...