The ‘Textile Show’ organised by The Crafts Council of India celebrates innovative hand-woven saris that attempt to integrate the past, present and the future in weaves and formats. The show celebrates teamwork of designer, weaver and artisan who strive to revive and recreate lost weaves and motifs. They also explore alternatives such as jute, banana fibre and ‘vettiver’ to tell a contemporary sari and textile story.
From bridal wear to evening saris, from the ones with maximum work to the ones with minimal work, each sari works the great weaves of India: Benares, Kanchivarams, Chenderis, Kota, Jamdani, mull, muslin and khadi as well as textile arts such as Parsi Gara embroidery, bandhini and ajrakh.
Designer Smriti Morarka’s Benarasis are woven out of natural yarn, pure zari with touches of wool and beaten silver ribbons. She has revived forgotten weaving techniques and motifs and integrated them into her line. Her magenta, saffron, yellow, black and gold saris embedded with ‘revived’ motifs, gold squares and broad woven borders bring back the glory of old Benaras weaves.
Ashdeen Z. Lilaowala’s saris evoke the aesthetics of traditional Parsi Gara embroidery. His black saris embroidered with a spray of white chrysanthemums or silhouetted with phoenix, peacock and shaded lotus are examples of his unique take on Gara glamour. Moavi’s ‘Ekam’ collection spell handloom cool. His designers’ re-introduction of satin weave on Kota saris and focus on lost embroidery skills make for a high-end collection. West Bengal brings ethereal khadi saris woven in broad multi-coloured stripes and checks while a slew of designers bring a melange of hand block printed cottons and mulls. Vivek Narang’s contemporary and antique textiles display the wonder of jamdaani and ajrakh’s magic. Not to be missed is the Sthree Collection’s unique Kanchivarams with a ‘today’ twist in a cornucopia of colours and designs.
The ‘Textile Show’ is part of CCI’s year long golden jubilee celebrations. It will be on view at Hotel My Fortune, Cathedral Road, on September 12 and 13, 10.a.m.-7 p.m.
