A fashion extravaganza saw the launch of a blended collection. Team Viva checks out the pieces
This is an Indo-Australian partnership of true warmth. Come winter, and you can proudly sport khadi, wearing it as cocktail jackets, slip dresses with daring slits, skater dresses or simple zip-ups. All because a home-grown cloth major has blended khadi with pure Merino wool and silk.
As models sashayed down the Australian High Commission greens with oversized clear aviators, the clothing brand Raymond didn’t disappoint us. The collection featured a complete men’s wardrobe, including trousers, shirts, jackets, double breasted blazer et al. The designers kept the Indian tradition intact with bandhgalas, kurtas and sherwanis. The pleasing-to-the-eye kurtas had contemporary cuts and were worn with ankle-length trousers. There were silk-khadi sherwanis in hues of cool blue and soft pink with gold embossing and embroidery, exuding royalty. The brand took fashion risks with belted coats, giving a casual touch to formal wear. A grey coat with black belt and a white one with a similar hued belt raised appreciative brows.
“In partnership with KVIC, we at Raymond endeavour to take khadi from the villages of India to the international fashion ramps. Our association with KVIC will generate more employment for khadi artisans. The initiative will empower artisans in rural India. Taking this initiative ahead, we have partnered with The Woolmark Company of Australia to create an exclusive khadi wool blended product line, to enhance the appeal of the fabric that is innate to the legacy of India,” said Gautam Hari Singhania, chairman and managing director, Raymond.
Raymond is currently working with over 20 clusters in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
Innovation of khadi wouldn’t have been possible without the finest quality wool from Australia. Arti Gudal, country manager India, The Woolmark Company said, “The collection demonstrates cutting-edge innovation, comfort and is also a part of our Grown in Australia, Made in India effort to successfully explore Merino wool’s infinite potential in India.”
Fashion can indeed be a connecting thread between two countries. “Through economic and fashion diplomacy we promote Australia’s fashion industry globally, including our raw materials like Australian merino wool. Fashion connects our countries and cultures and it also creates jobs in both countries. It shows how mutual benefits can come through the collaboration between our two countries,” said the acting Australian High Commissioner to India, Chris Elstoft.
The collection also had silk-khadi sarees in bright colours with combinations such as parrot green-fuschia and turquoise-fuschia. Some of the outfits had a European touch to it like long khadi-wool jackets and plaid coats for men, mustard coats for women. The colour play involved beige, brown, grey, black, olive green and maroon.
Photos: Pankaj Kumar