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Indian Handloom Takes Center Stage at BRICS+ Fashion Summit

This presentation is expected to be a highlight of the summit, featuring collections by Indian designers Ritesh Kumar, Naushad Ali, Gaurav Khanijo, and Shruti Sancheti…reports Asian Lite News

Moscow is poised to transform into a global fashion epicenter for the upcoming week, commencing November 28, as it plays host to the inaugural BRICS+ fashion summit.

The Moscow Concert Hall “Zaryadye” and the adjacent park will be the esteemed venues welcoming representatives from 60 countries.

The Indian delegation, led by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and spearheaded by Chairman Sunil Sethi, who also serves as the mentor of the show, is set to showcase Indian handloom encapsulating the essence of Indian culture. This presentation is expected to be a highlight of the summit, featuring collections by Indian designers Ritesh Kumar, Naushad Ali, Gaurav Khanijo, and Shruti Sancheti.

On the occasion Sunil Sethi, Chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “FDCI is thrilled to engage in the forthcoming BRICS+ fashion summit in Moscow. Our steadfast dedication to advancing Indian handloom, in accordance with the Ministry of Textiles’ guidance, is apparent in our endeavors to present the collection for both B2B meetings and a fashion show. This also signifies our third international showcase of the Khadi ensemble, aligning seamlessly with the policies of the KVIC.”

Among the attendees will be industry experts, designers, buyers, representatives of fashion educational institutions, and heads of international fashion associations. Delegations will converge in the Russian capital from diverse regions, including Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, South-Eastern Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

The event boasts a global representation of brands, including Lucas Leao (Brazil), CHNNYU (China), David Tlale (South Africa), Alena Akhmadullina (Russia), SADAELS (Argentina), Arzu Kaprol (Turkey), NIV NIV by KAT.

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Lite Blogs

Sanjay Garg’s ‘Children of the Night’ Shines with Handloom Elegance

Kapoor’s dramatic brocade pantsuit was definitely a conversation starter, Koechlin’s woven sari with the textured addition stood out for its versatility. Azad was spotted wearing a gold silk pantsuit…reports Nimerta C Sharan

Designer Sanjay Garg’s label Raw Mango celebrates Indian handlooms like no other, packed with luscious colours and diverse cultures. He showcased his collection, ‘The Children of the Night’ at an off-site show in New Delhi with structured silhouettes and mystical metallics at the forefront.

For once, celebrities fit in perfectly with the models instead of being the ‘showstoppers’ they usually are. Karisma Kapoor, Kalki Koechlin, and Saba Azad walked for the designer. While Kapoor’s dramatic brocade pantsuit was definitely a conversation starter, Koechlin’s woven sari with the textured addition stood out for its versatility. Azad was spotted wearing a gold silk pantsuit.

“Each garment in the collection includes innovations in textiles, including brocade imparting a sense of knitwear, kaleidoscopic weaves, and an incredible range of gleaming metallics – elements of surprise woven with the DNA that roots us,” added the master creator.

Some of the highlights of this collection included the flexible hand-woven textiles, sheer saris with bombers, voluminous skirts, and a varied colour scheme. Naturally, the clothes were the real stars of the show.

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Fashion Lite Blogs

My handloom, my pride

Each one stood out for its unique way of highlighting the richly textured, from all over India, anciently wise fabrics…reports Asian Lite News

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Textiles and DC, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) organised a performance at the 36th International Surajkund Crafts Mela 2023 that celebrated India’s many handloom traditions (Handloom).

The gathering, “My Handloom, My Pride,” took place on February 16, 2023, and featured eight ensembles each from six designers. They included Samant Chauhan, Khanijo, Madhu Jain, Payal Jain, Kora by Anjali Kalia, Divyam Mehta, and Kora. Each one stood out for its unique way of highlighting the richly textured, from all over India, anciently wise fabrics.

Designer Samant Chauhan elevated the Bhagalpuri weave in Tussar silk, while Gaurav Khanijo, used Khadi woven in Bengal, with Kantha embroidery detailing on his modern cuts. Divyam Mehta worked with yarn crafted from agri waste, woven in Bengal. Interestingly, Madhu Jain paid homage to weaves from Orissa, channelling simplicity.

Payal Jain gave the ancient Pekhwa’ weaving technique which has been passed down generations of master weavers, a memorable representation with endearing shapes. On another note, Anjali Kalia’s hand block prints in red, black and olive, highlighted with gota, offset with thread, dori and sequins embroidery, made a play for a melange of hues.

M.D Sinha, IFS, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism and Heritage, government of Haryana and Vice Chairman, Surajkund Mela Authority said, “India’s handloom sector is a symbol of our country’s rich and varied cultural heritage. At Surajkund International Crafts Mela we proudly present handlooms in the most creative and innovative manner, through our collaboration with FDCI. It’s our endeavour to make traditional handlooms into heirlooms.”

“The Ministry of Textiles has always supported such initiatives where handloom is the showstopper. The show celebrates the vivacity of weaves we have in India. Textiles weaving provides employment to more than 31 lakh households all over the country, and sustenance to more than 35 lakh weavers, mostly women. The show is a tribute to their resilience, skills and artisanal prowess. We are delighted to be showcasing at a venue like Surajkund, which is engulfed in traditional crafts, along with the Ministry of Textiles and DC (Handloom),” said Curator of the event, Sunil Sethi, FDCI.

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Bollywood Lite Blogs

Tabu steps out in traditional weaves on Handloom day

The event was organised by Telangana’s Department of Handlooms & Textiles, and the Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society (TSCO)…reports Asian Lite News

Handloom Industry in the Telangana state occupies a unique place in the country for its exclusive art and artifacts of handloom weavers. On National Handlooms Day, actress Tabu took to the ramp to showcase Telangana handloom textiles.

The fashion show was an ensemble comprising more than 50 sarees and garments made from the textiles that are woven in Telangana. The showstopper was Tabu, who draped a traditional gharara with a short kurta and dupatta.

In all, 26 models including 21 females and five men walked the ramp at the ‘Amogham’ event presented by award-winning textiles designer Gaurang Shah, to highlight the breadth and diversity that Telangana has to offer to the world.

The event was organised by Telangana’s Department of Handlooms & Textiles, and the Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society (TSCO).

Models sashayed in vibrant Ikkats from Pochampally and Puttapaka, elegant gadwals, and lustrous fabrics from Narayanpet among other local fabrics. The cheriyal paintings done on fabrics in the form of a lehenga were an absolute classic.

The tassels using handcrafted etikoppaka toys, are specialty of the State. The richness of handwoven chiffon, khadi, and Kota were also presented exquisitely. Each fabric on display was developed on the looms of Telangana, giving the weavers work for year-round production.

Gaurang said “Every art we have curated and showcased is not only timeless body of work from Telangana but also timeless creatives. My endeavour through such events, and multiple projects in the state has enabled common people, with no relation to textiles, to learn to weave.”

“Women, who are passionate about learning and working have been encouraged to sit on a loom and learn the Jamdani technique.”

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India News

K T. Rama Rao calls for strengthening handloom industry

On December 19, KTR had written a letter to Union Textile Minister Piyush Goyal, urging him to withdraw the plans of increasing GST from January 1, 2022…reports Asian Lite News.

Telangana’s Industry Minister K T. Rama Rao on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and save the weavers by withdrawing plans for increasing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on handloom and textiles.

The Minister reminded the Prime Minister of his call to strengthen the handloom sector on National Handloom Day.

Rama Rao said enhancing GST on handlooms and textiles will be a death knell for the industry.

“Hon’ble @narendramodi Ji, on the National Handloom Day you had talked of strengthening #Vocal4Handmade. Contrary to the idea, your government has enhanced GST on handlooms and textiles from 5 to 12 per cent which will be a death knell for the industry. Request you to intervene and save weavers,” tweeted KTR, as the Minister is popularly known.

On December 19, KTR had written a letter to Union Textile Minister Piyush Goyal, urging him to withdraw the plans of increasing GST from January 1, 2022.

Stating that the textiles, especially handlooms sector was going through a tough phase for the past two years due to impact of Covid-19, KTR said, revising the GST from the current 5 to 12 per cent would serve as a death blow to the industry.

After the agriculture sector, textiles and handlooms sector provide the highest employment in the country. Considering the current scenario, the need of the hour was to extend additional advantages and incentives to the sector, he added.

KTR pointed out that never in the country’s history were taxes levied on handlooms and the Centre’s move to levy 5 per cent tax was strongly opposed by the textiles and handlooms sector across the country.

“The current decision to impose an additional seven per cent GST on the handlooms would leave the sector crippled. Telangana produces world-class handlooms and weavers are worried a lot due to the Centre’s decision to increase GST,” KTR wrote.

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Fashion Lite Blogs

Celebs on sustainable ‘handloom’ trend

Vidya’s sari collection is envious. She wore this beautiful handloom Karaikudi Chettinad cotton saree directly from the weaver…writes Puja Gupta.

Bollywood divas like Kangana Ranaut, Sonam Kapoor, Vidya Balan and Rekha are often seen in handloom sarees. Their love for handwoven fabrics is no secret and gives them an edge amongst their contemporaries. On National Handloom Day, we look at some celebrities who keep it chic in handlooms:

Dia Mirza:

Dia is known to promote conscious and sustainable fashion as well as lifestyle, taking up many environmental causes and makes mindful fashion choices. The actor is often spotted in eco-friendly and sustainable clothing options styles like saris and suits. She often wears handloom ensembles by designers like Anavila who specializes in natural and handwoven fabrics.

Sonam Kapoor:

The fashionista’s handlooms are right up there with her avant garde brands. Not one to shy away from experimenting, Kapoor inspired a generation of millennials to fall in love with traditional textiles and this stunning saree is on point. The colourful khadi sari is a creation by designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla.

Kangana Ranaut:

Kangana is always making headlines, but when it’s for traditional handloom such as this, it’s for all the right reasons. The star has always been vocal about her preference for handloom ensembles and labels. She is often spotted wearing a saree, be it for an airport look or a media event. In this picture, Kangana is seen wearing a traditional off-white saree with gold border.


Vidya Balan:

Vidya’s sari collection is envious. She wore this beautiful handloom Karaikudi Chettinad cotton saree directly from the weaver. It features bold checkered patterns, popularly known as madras checks, which originates from the Chennai — karaikudi region of India.

Rekha:

The veteran actress sets perfect example of how to look sexy in saree. Rekha has always been loyal to her handloom saree and always drapes one for red carpet events. Her collection of sarees includes heritage Kanjiyarams and chanderis.

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