The revival of style DOWNLOAD PDF

Khadi and traditional textiles and crafts of Rajasthan dominated the Rajasthan Heritage Week 2015, organised by the Rajasthan Khadi and Village Industries Board held in Jaipur from December 3-5. Part of the Textiles Development Programme of the state, the event was a grand expo by 24 well-known designers besides weavers from Rajasthan and elsewhere. The theme of the event was ‘Handmade in Rajasthan’, and the aim was to make khadi a global product just the way Irish linen has been promoted by Ireland. From casual and corporate to formal and bridalwear as well as men’s creations to grand collections of sarees, the shows were a veritable feast for the eyes as fabrics of supreme variety were displayed in all their resplendent glory. Top designers put their creativity to the test on to the fabulous khadi and block printed materials and gave them a haute couture feel. MEHER CASTELINO reports.

RITU KUMAR: Ritu Kumar’s collection ‘The Thar Desert’ was a mélange of Rajasthani fabrics and crafts. Using mica mirrorwork and ajrakh along with wool embroidery from Kutch, Kumar used these for highfashion ethnic garments in khadi and handloom. The dazzling wool embroidery highlighted ponchos and slim kurtas, while the eyecatching block prints in blue, grey and black were turned into kurtas with embellished skirts along with bandhani that made an appearance for dramatic angarkhas. The camel harnesses of the Ship of the Desert were turned into impressive head gear for the finale creations.

BIBI RUSSELL: Bangladeshi designer Bibi Russell’s collection ‘Fashion for Development’ was an ode to khadi, crafts, kota doria and prints. Russell has worked for months with weavers and craftsmen of Rajasthan and her collection was a labour of love featuring the crafts of the state. Turning traditional textiles into wrap skirts, palazzos, tonal weave sarees, dhoti pants, waistcoats and kimono style covers, she gave a stylish heritage twist to womenswear. Her men’s line featured leheriya, kurtas, jackets, sherwanis, dhotis and cuffed trousers.