Zohran Mamdani's Eri Silk Tie: A Quiet Statement of Indian Craft on a Global Stage

• New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wore a custom eri silk tie by Kartik Research during his swearing-in, bringing a unique Indian textile global visibility.
• Eri silk, primarily from Assam and Northeast India, is a "non-violent silk" known for its heavy, muted texture, unlike glossy mulberry silk.
• Its production is decentralized and labor-intensive, with women weavers playing a crucial role, passing down skills through generations.
• Kartik Research, founded by Kartik Kumra, integrates traditional Indian crafts into contemporary menswear, translating heritage into modern forms.
• Mamdani's choice highlights a materially modest, labor-intensive textile on a global stage, emphasizing craft and process over spectacle.

Why It Matters: Mamdani's eri silk tie subtly showcased Indian craft, sustainability, and the quiet power of traditional textiles.