The Pochampally ikat has seen a big makeover in recent times. From big retail brands launching their ikat collections to designers transforming to the age-old art into contemporary styles – ikat is dominating the fashion circuit.
But has that helped the weavers? Representatives of the Pochampally Handloom Park say that the weavers haven’t really gained from the boom. “The orders are increasing and there is lot of demand even from the overseas market. But the process of weaving and tying and dyeing are laborious. A lot of families are seeing the younger generation move away from their traditional profession as a result of this,” says D Sahesh, exhibition in-charge of Pochampally Ikat Art Mela in Visakhapatnam. The mela began at Lions Club, Ramnagar, on Thursday. According to the participants of the exhibition, the benefits of the rising demand hardly trickle down. “Imitations of ikat and screen prints are flooding the market. That has also affected the industry,” adds Sahesh. Established in 2006 with aim to give a boost to the Pochampally handlooms, the park was developed in public private partnership (PPP) mode. It supports about 500 weavers today.
The ikat wave has taken their weaves to overseas markets of the US, Japan and Singapore and a clientele comprising brands like Allen Solly and Fab India. The improvisations in designs, concepts and textures can be seen on the products on display at the exhibition. The fresh collection includes home furnishing products table runners, cushion covers of various sizes apart from bed spreads.
The weavers say that the thrust is more on producing patterns and concepts that appeal to the younger generation. The stole collection has a contemporary touch and comes in refreshing shades. Specialising in single and double ikat in saris, the exhibition brings up a vibrant range in different colour combinations. Originally motifs had an overwhelming influence of rural lifestyles. Over the years, floral and geometric patterns have become more popular and the weavers, too, have realised that there is a larger market out there for these patterns. The latest line of work on display is handbags with a patch of ikat fabric.
Venue:Lions Club, Ramnagar
Time: 10 am to 8.30 pm
