Knot to Miss

Weaves such as bandha, ikat, and fabrics such as tussar silk have been representing the region of Orissa in the fashion industry (both international and Indian) for a while now, but only through the work of some designers. But it is for the first time, that Government of Orissa (GOO), along with five designers Rakesh Thakore, Anjali Kalia, Bibhu Mohapatra, Rajesh Pratap Singh and Sabyasachi Mukherjee in a project coordinated by textile expert Rta Kapur Chishti, has developed a collection of saris, scarves and fabrics. Not only that, it has put them all up at a stall at WIFW's Spring-Summer 2013 edition for the "Design Reference Collection of Orissa Handloom" project.

"I have been working with the weavers in Orissa since almost a decade. There is still more to do," says Chishti, who was spotted dressed in an ikat handwoven sari with her hair tied up in a knot. She also feels that due to the growing impact of imported and factory-made fabrics, along with changing Indian tastes, handloom weavers in India are facing an uncertain future. Usha Padhee, Commissioner with the handlooms, textiles and handicrafts department, (GOO), agrees, "It was time to revamp the age-old traditions and present them."

A selection of woven drapes — some being interpretations of saris that are no longer made or sold — are on simultaneous display at the Crafts Museum, Pragati Maidan till October 30.

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