Sacred Silks

 Eight designers showcased the beauty of Benarasi silks at the FDCI show, in collaboration with Haryana Tourism, on Feb 9

New Delhi, February 10, 2023: The Fashion Design Council of India curated a show at the 36th International Surajkund Crafts Mela 2023, in association with Haryana Tourism, on February 9, 2023. Titled “Benaras - A tribute to the Senses”, it paid homage to the rustling silks of Benaras, which have withstood the test of time and tide.

 

Bringing alive the glory of the ghats, the serenity of the river Ganga and the magnificent ode to the calm it imbues, eight designers showcased their interpretation of this holy city which has been a potent leitmotif. Abhishek Gupta, Amita Gupta Sustainable, Asha Gautam, Hemang Agrawal, Pawan Sachdeva, Shruti Sancheti, Suket Dhir and Tanmaya and Manish, presented six ensembles each. The backdrop transported the onlooker to the magical ethos of the city, replete with intriguing myths and mythology. 

 

Shri M.D Sinha, IFS, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, Govt of Haryana and Vice Chairman, Surajkund Mela Authority said, “The city of Varanasi is a microcosm of all that defines India. Despite being witness to ancient civilisations come and go over centuries, Kashi is still alive, unabashedly colourful, and wonderfully rich in history and legends. Through our fashion show, we have showcased the vibrancy and the innate love for life of its inhabitants, during the Surajkund International Crafts Mela."

Sunil Sethi, FDCI said, “Benaras represents diversity and harmony in human existence, which post-covid has become imperative to embrace. Taking this thought forward through the medium of its luscious silks with their inherent radiance, are our designers, who have resuscitated the loom. We are delighted to collaborate with Surajkund Mela and Haryana Tourism for this initiative that highlights the beauty of this exquisite textile.’’

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IN EARNEST by Byron Earnest Lars:

 Valiant Femininity Proves

Heroic for Fall 2023

Just watch the news every day and it’s not too farfetched to say that for women to push forward with their daily lives, it requires the strength of a superhero. Rights once taken for granted are not only in peril, but in some cases altogether taken away. But the modern woman isn’t content to sit idly by with their futures in control of others. Designer Byron Lars and his business partner Sheila Gray took notice and found inspiration for their Fall 2023 collection in the heroic actions of the legions of strong women they count as their customers.

 

“My Fall 2023 collection is all about valiant femininity with clothes that harken to a kind of heroism as I see it,” states Byron Lars. “While American women mobilize to defend their reproductive rights against draconian legislature, it’s no wonder I imagined clothes for them that would evoke images of an epic crusade the likes of which we are collectively on in this moment.” 

 

Each piece of the IN EARNEST Fall 2023 collection is powerfully feminine with details that harken back to the days of medieval armor, but modernized in Lars’ deft hands to be ready for the modern day runway (aka: where ever a modern woman walks). Like a faux chain mail cardigan, fortified with tiny filagree motifs, that has an alluringly unexpected transparency and doubles as an interesting dress. Each piece is so deeply inspired that one is not certain if they are looking at a couture piece from the latest runway show, or a piece that was just on display in a historic museum exhibit. The result is a collection that is layered with inspiration, layered with story, and layered with fashionable possibilities.

 

In the label’s now trademark style, intriguing combinations of fabrics are mixed together into a fashion mélange chock full of interest. A soft vegan leather bomber is sculpted and paired with a tweed lace culotte resulting in the perfect balance of “tuff girlishness”, while a sequined sheath dress doubles as a layering piece over pants for some glam utilitarianism.

 

“The beauty of the IN EARNEST fashion language is that there are no two people who will wear the collection the same way,” says Sheila Gray. “All in all, our pieces are timeless, highly collectable, and ready for any campaign life calls for a modern woman to launch.”

 

The name IN EARNEST means “occurring to a greater extent or more intensely than before” so it’s no surprise that every aspect of the brand from the fabric to the styling, and even the collection concept is a step in a new and different direction.

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Five Point Five , which is ALL ABOUT SARIS , and the name itself is a direct representation of the usual length of a Sari.

FIVE POINT FIVE is ALL ABOUT SARIS, and the name itself is a direct representation of the usual length of a Sari. 

It aims to bring the exquisite weaves of India on one platform. All the products of Five Point Five are directly sourced from the weavers and artisans of various clusters, across the country. Each piece is personally handpicked for those who love to drape and scream ‘pleats please!’  

 

SARI ON WHEELS

We all have heard stories that in the older times, merchants (called “pheriwalas”) used to come home with their huge bundle of sari collection, wrapped in white mulmul. And in case there was a wedding at home, all the ladies in the family used to gather at one place and shop from these sellers. Most of the prized possessions of saris that our parents or grandparents own today, are usually bought from these home-coming karigars.

 

Don’t you sometimes wish, what if the weavers and craftsmen across the country were able to show you their exquisite handcrafted products, the same way.

 

‘Five Point Five’ brings their premium collection directly to your home!

 

The curated trunk of saris that comes to you, is a collection of exclusive handwoven pieces that the founders of ‘Five Point Five’ themselves have directly hand-picked from the weavers.

 

BEHIND THE LABEL

 

Copreneurs, Radhika & Nitin are design graduates from NIFT Delhi, whose hearts have always been connected with the rich textiles of the country. They wanted to bring the Indian heritage into forefront and support the weaver community.

While Radhika has been empowering her fashion knowledge by teaching Research at Pearl Academy, Nitin has worked on various handloom and textile projects with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI).The thought behind their brainchild grew at home. Seeing her mother draped in saris very often, Radhika has been inclined towards the sari story since childhood, while Nitin has always been curious to know why his sister loved to drape his mother’s saris.  

Doing more research on the six yards, their adoration for saris grew stronger over the years. Their knowledge and awareness of the industry gave them the edge to attempt an individualistic approach of maintaining fair trade for the weavers and their craft.

In between their love to travel and their passion to explore the weaves of India, Five Point Five was born! 

 

“This 5.5 meters of unstitched garment has come a long way, to what it symbolizes today. From several techniques of making it, to the diverse ways of draping, it’s truly incredible. It is one such piece of clothing that can be worn anywhere – from work to a family gathering, or even for a party. And it certainly has no age barrier. You can never go wrong with a Sari. With Five Point Five, we strive to promote the Indian textiles, handlooms and craftsmanship; that our karigars have been preserving for eons.” – Nitin Singla

 

“Every sari has a story, a sentiment attached to it. It often evokes a memory – maybe it’s your mother’s sari or has a nostalgic emotion of your grandmother. Saris are treasured heirlooms that are passed from generation to generation, sometimes as a part of the wedding trousseau or gifted within the family. Five Point Five pays homage to this iconic staple that will always stay to be a part of every wardrobe.” – Radhika Jain

  

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Rahul Mishra's collection 'TREE OF LIFE' at FDCI India Couture Week 2022

The Tree of Life, a manifestation of artistic memory

Just a few weeks ago, Rahul Mishra showcased his The Tree Of Life collection at the prestigious Paris Haute Couture Week. While it received a universal thumbs up from fashion critics, Mishra has not really had the time to savour its success. He had jumped straight into preparations for his India Couture Week (ICW) presentation. He brought the same collection to his Indian audience by adding some lehengas, saris and kurtas at FDCI India Couture Week 2022

In a unique expression of total creativity, the show began with a be

d showcase of models in a glass enclosure. Slowly, they treaded their way on the walkway meandering through the crowds with utmost dexterity.

His pieces featured fabrics that were handwoven at villages in India. There were 2D and 3D embroidery work that were done with hands for over 10,000 human hours. Despite heavy embellishments done on the clothing, they were lightweight and looked effortless as the models sauntered down the ramp wearing Mishra's artwork.

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Email:- pankajsinghmar90k@gmail.com

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