Weavers and craftsmen from Chhattisgarh along with the talented designers from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) mesmerised the audience by showcasing fabrics and dresses made by them at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2015 in Haryana. Presenting ‘Ambar Mandaar—Vastra from the Divine land’, a collaborative effort between NIFT and the Chhattisgarh Handloom Development & Marketing Federation, future designers and weavers channelised their endeavour to create more market friendly, profitable ventures.
At the onset, western wear ‘Ramp Show’ was organized. An astonishing, creative burst of styles were on display as models adorned with garments signifying rich traditional values and modern global ideas. Folksy patterns and artful collage of muted as well as bright colours were anchored in simple neutrals giving a very ethnic feel to the Fusion Collection.
The collection was a sincere effort to re-introduce the Indian Sari, especially the beautiful Kosa silk saris from Chhattisgarh as a new fashion statement that would appeal to the youthful cohort. The Kosa silk, an auspicious fabric worn for weddings and religious ceremonies produced in the town of Champan by the Dewangan Community is considered one of the best silks in the world. The presentation took this soft, pure yet sturdy traditional fabric to realms of the modern textile and apparel market.
Second part of the show was based on traditional Indian wear keeping the Chhattisgarhi textiles and styles in mind. Choreographed in a simple yet captivating sequence, the traditional collection was inspired from the story of a simple girl whose life started in a small town.
As she moved into the prime years of her life, her inquisitiveness about the rich Indian culture made her travel to different parts of India. Once she reached the beautiful State of Chhattisgarh, there was a mystical sense of fulfillment within her. This Collection was an attempt to explore the splendid heritage of Chhattisgarh’s textiles adorned in rich and beautiful ivories, beiges and oxidized gold.
Shruti Singh, Director of the Chhattisgarh Handloom Development & Marketing Federation said, “We need to promote a culture of understanding and appreciation of the arts and crafts of Chhattisgarh. There is a huge diversity of styles and fabrics that Chhattisgarh has. The Kosa silk is an example of the excellence and sophistication of the State’s textile industry.”