There are different strands to the story of the loom — from innovative and fabric development, to sustainable fashion. A group of 26 fashion designers and craftsmen have come together to celebrate the heritage and glory of Indian looms, in an initiative spearheaded by the Minister of textile Smriti Zubin Irani.
At the curtain-raiser of ‘Textiles India 2017’ on Tuesday, in Delhi, the ramp showcased the strength of the Indian textiles sector in cotton, silk, wool, woven and embroidered as well as modern and futuristic textiles.
Highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s vision, ‘From Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion, Fashion to Foreign’, Irani said, “The textile sector in India has got huge potentiality in terms of employment opportunity. This initiative aims to introduce the rich heritage of textile to top-of-the-line fashion fraternities of the world. The result and the finishing look of every garment starts right from the yarn stage. And it also provides a platform for rural artisans to showcase their talents.”
A traditional collection designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Eminent designers like Abraham&Thakore, Anita Dongre, Amit Aggarwal, Masaba Gupta, Manish Malhotra, Rahul Misra, Ritu Kumar, Rohit Bal, Sanjay Garg, Sabyasachi, and Tarun Tahiliani are part of the initiative.
Designer Madhu Jain, who showcased Andhra’s double ikat work at the curtain-raiser, shares, “I am very proud to be associated with the textile ministry and initiatives taken by them. Making handloom popular and collaborations with designers will create trust in eco-labels and reduce the consumption of products that harm the environment.”
Designer Ritu Kumar showcased a collection based on aesthetics of the Kutch
Designer Ritu Kumar showcased a collection based on the vibrant aesthetics of the Kutch region. “My inspiration has been drawn from the tie-dye fabrics from the desert region and the use of mica mirror-work with head embellishment, which is the signature of the region,” she says.
Model walking the ramp in a Manish Arora design
Lauding the Textiles India 2017 initiative, she said the need of the hour is to showcase art that is on the verge of extinction. “By bringing together a collection from all over the country under one roof, the art is receiving the spotlight that it deserves. It is a wonderful initiative by the Ministry of textiles that not only educates people but also encourages them to make handloom a part of their lives.”
Design by Amit Aggarwal
Designer Rahul Mishra, who is known for working with the Indian craft community through sustainable design interventions, showcased his wool collection. Appreciating the initiative for aiming to reinvent indigenous crafts executed by handloom weavers through effective skill development, he says,“Nothing is more empowering about fashion than its ability to create new ecosystems, in which weavers can benefit from the global stage and dignity of labour can be honoured.”
