Rajasthan Heritage Week 2016

FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA KICKS OFF AT DIGGI PALACE

Jaipur, 01 December: The gala fashion show series of Rajasthan Heritage Week (RHW) began today at Hotel Diggi Palace in grandeur. The show was formally inaugurated by Rajasthan Industries Minister, Mr. Gajendra Singh Khimsar and Principal Secretary, MSME, Mr. Rajeeva Swarup.

Known for their patronage of art, literature and music, members of the Diggi family --  Rudra Pratap Singh, Raghav Pratap Singh, Aparajit Singh, Gaurangini Singh and Katyayini Singh opened the show as hosts and patrons of Heritage Fashion and Handmade in Rajasthan.

Also present on the occasion were, India’s foremost textile expert, Mr. Martand Singh and Co-Chair, Sub Group in Tourism, Chief Minister Advisory Council, Ms. Malvika Singh.

The designers who presented their collection today were Swati Ubroi, Sonali Dharmawardena, Ajay Kumar, Sunaina Sood, Vidhi Singhania, Samant Chauhan, Himmat Singh, Tara Aslam, Raghu Rathore, Rohit Bal, Urvashi Kaur and Rajesh Pratap Singh. The stage was set themed around the Rajasthani 'Bavdi wells'.

The Crafts Pavilion, designed by Jaipur based Product Designer Ayush Kasliwal saw a good turnout as the craftsmen showcased their best works on display and on sale.

It is to be recalled that the second edition of Rajasthan Heritage Week is jointly being organized by Khadi Board, Government of Rajasthan and Prasad Bidapa Associates at Hotel Diggi Palace. The five day fashion extravaganza is a unique endeavor to revive the traditional handmade traditional textiles and the beauty of Khadi.

About the Designers and their Collection:

Jaipur based Swati Ubroi opened the fashion shows with a Rajasthani wedding theme. With the traditional Ghumer Dancers performing on stage, followed by the Kalbeliya dancers and the Ger dancers, the wedding baraat entered the lawns and walked onto the stage, with the Rajasthani Bride and Groom dressed to perfection.  The collection for RHW 2016 was inspired by the Topography of Rajasthan and the challenge of taking Rajasthan handloom into a very niche and luxury oriented market of Bridal and festive clothing.  The AMER COLLECTION is an ode to Rajasthan, to the inherent attributes of this state, the culture, the music and last but not least the fabrics of rajasthan. 

Swati Ubroi

Sri Lankan Designer Sonali Dharmawardena’s collection, using a bundle of beautifully crafted Rajasthani fabrics, intersersed it with her signature Sri Lankan Batik art to create a collection that takes a tinge of boho spirit encapsulating a fusion of western influence a balance of the spirited woman who carves her fashion niche embracing the crafts of the world. Soft Cottons making a huge statement for occasion wear with its colourful bold statements.

Sonali Dharmawardena

Ajay Kumar from Bangalore, adopts a Rajputana Legacy - both retrospective and prospective approach to the heritage of Rajasthan; unfolding the multi-layered facade of this region and lending it a new face. Florals, paisleys and ornate intricacies with geometric and filigree patterns in Dabu and other hand block printed khadi and handloom fabrics are moulded through modern craftsmanship and quality; thus perfecting handmade work with modern tailoring techniques. 

Ajay Kumar

Designer Sunaina Sood from Hyderabad, worked with the intricate tie-dye technique so inherent to Rajasthan's rich culture to weave magic in her silhouettes. Along with embellishment motifs used by the block printers of the state using embroidery techniques from her home state.

Sunaina Sood

Sunaina Sood

Vidhi Singhania from Jaipur - Classicism, which is the corner stone of Vidhi’s design sensibility, and her eternal love for Rajasthan, can be seen in her ethereal Kota Doria collection – Mharo des. Adding intricacy, technique and value to her Kotas with the stunning foil printing, Gota pattis, leheriyas, and the immaculate embroideries, all made in Rajasthan. Bringing back the pagdis, which was originally Doria woven on a sample loom at 18 yards. They are a couple of Kota and Khadi skirts as well in the collection.

Vidhi Singhania

Samant Chauhan showcased a grand collection with embroideries and ebellishments on Khadi of different weights.

Samant Chauhan

Mr. Himmat Singh’s collection theme is based on western wear with a touch of Rajasthan, using the fabrics of this State.

Mr. Himmat Singh

Tara Aslam from Bangalore collaborates with textile designer Sanjay Chhipa for this collection that consists of the geometric printing technique of Bagru and  presenting it in a modernist Bauhaus, rejuvenating design for everyday life. Her label Nature Alley captures the intricacies of the craft for the serious nomad!

Tara Aslam

Rohit Bal is Inspired by the grandeur of The Czarist Regime of Russia , this collection is deeply entrenched in the unmitigated philosophy of extreme luxury . This story sees an amalgamation of two distinct cultures and thought processes , that of Russian Grandeur and the almost austere craftsmanship of my absolute true love , Kashmir . Here, rich golds meet fine silk threads. Zardozi meets fine Kashmiri Kaani , crewel work and petit point and chain stitch . Velvet meets hand woven silks. Rich jewels meet autumn leaves , poppies and irises in guilded frames of lustrous luxury to create one beautiful form . From crystal to Chrysanthemum this story unfolds as it weaves its way through a magical journey of extravagance only to be drenched in the quiet caresses of the tonal colours of a Kashmiri Autumn.

Rohit Bal

Rajesh Pratap Singh’s signature off-white collection consists of thick weight Rajasthani Khadis

Rajesh Pratap Singh

Rajesh Pratap Singh

Urvashi Kaur takes inspiration from her travels to remote parts of India as a child. Starting with a palette that’s from the earth, with a dusty fawn that fades to a faint blush the designer adds balance with shades of darker indigoes and olives. Urvashi uses time worn, handwoven textiles like khadi, woollenkhadi, simple cottons and traditional Ajrakhs while kotadoriya coupled with the pale lustre of cotton silks reflect the transience of cultures and civilizations.

Urvashi Kaur

Raghu Rathore's collection is inspired by the look and feel of Rajasthan heritage, textile and tradition with a twist of new age appeal. This contemporary look of each ensemble has an accent of textile and technique that is inspired from the region.  The traditional lehariya and Bandhini motifs synonymous with Rajasthan are an integral part of the surface treatment and textile printing inspirations that exemplifies and shapes this collection.  The techniques emulate the essence of Indian heritage. The silhouettes have a good balance between being flowy and structured and are apt for any formal evening occasion. They have been reinvented in treatment and shape to give a contemporary appeal.

Raghavendra Rathore

‘Rajasthan Heritage Week 2016’ Celebrates ‘Saree Day’ Today at Diggi Palace

Jaipur, 2 December: The second day of the fashion show series of ‘Rajasthan Heritage Week (RHW) celebrated the ‘Saree Day’.  The day started off with a performance by Nathu Lal Solanki and his group, followed by Banwar Devi’s magical voice in a performance.

The National Awardee Master Weavers who presented their collection today were : Ram Kishore Derewala, Abdul Majeed, Awdhesh Kumar & Asheesh Kumar, Mohammed Sabir, Nasruddin Ansari , Mustaqeem Kachara, Abdul Hakim Ansari & Mohammed Yasin Ansari, Sitaramji, Vikram Singh & Ruma Devi from Gramin Sansthan. Similarly, the famous designers who showcased their collections today were : Pavithra Muddaya and Manish Saksena from Bangalore, Rajneeral and Rohit Kamra from Jaipur.

It is to be recalled that the second edition of Rajasthan Heritage Week is jointly being organized by Khadi Board, Government of Rajasthan and Prasad Bidapa Associates at Hotel Diggi Palace in Jaipur. The five day fashion extravaganza is a unique endeavor to revive the traditional handmade traditional textiles and the beauty of Khadi.

About the National Awardee Master Weavers, Designers and their Collection:

Ram Kishore Derewala – This Padmashree and National Awardee showcased his saris redefining the hand block printing techniques of Bagru.

Abdul Majeed - This National Awardee Master weaver from showcased his works in Mughal art hand block printing.

Awdhesh Kumar & Asheesh Kumar - This National Awardee Masterweaver from Sanganer showcased his hand block printed saris in traditional Rajasthani coulours.

Mohammed Sabir - This National Awardee Masterweaver from Jaipur showcased the best of leheriya and bandhej in his saris.

Nasruddin Ansari - This National Awardee Masterweaver from Kaithoon showcased vibrant colours in his collection of Kota Doria Zari saris.

Mustaqeem Kachara - This National Awardee Masterweaver from Kaithoon had the best of Kota Doria Zari sarees on the ramp.

Abdul Hakim Ansari & Mohammed Yasin Ansari  – These National Awardee Masterweavers from Mangrol & Kaithoon, showcased the besr of Kota Doria sarees.

Abdul Ghayur & Abrar Ahmed - These National Awardee Masterweavers from Jaipur had the best of block printing works on the ramp with their saris.

Sitaramji - This National Awardee Masterweaver from Barmer showcased salwars and sarees made from Khadi wool.

Vikram Singh & Ruma Devi from Gramin Sansthan – This non-profit organisation works for the upliftment of women, dalits, etc, showcased modern rajasthani sarees.

Pavithra Muddaya's – collection consists of sarees woven in Baran, Khaithoon, Dausar and Gomat in Rajasthan. It involves using simple designs concepts in Masuria[Kota Doria], the colour pink and some design elements are inspired by the Pink city itself.  Some of them are contemporary in nature.

Manish Saksena - The attempt this time is by keeping Kota as central and creating an amalgamation of various crafts of Rajasthan seamlessly. Redefining Kota in a more wearable stylized manner is the underlining theme. Incorporating crafts such as Gota Patti, Ajrak patch work and multi-print confluences are odes to the diverse crafts of Rajasthan coming together harmoniously.

Rajneeral - The collection is an eclectic and fantastical blend of designs that transcend seasons. The surfaces are sprinkled with traditional Indian motifs in the form of prints and embellishments in traditional embroidery techniques.  The entire collection is designed in fabrics produced by the Khadiboard registered weavers from Rajasthan.

Rohit Kamra finished the day with a contemporary collection in sharp cuts, having worked with the various kinds of Rajasthani Khadis.

Rohit Kamra

.
More Pics are On their Way . . . 
.

A UNIQUE KHADI FASHION SHOW AT RAJASTHAN HERITAGE WEEK TODAY

Jaipur, 3 December: The last day of the Rajasthan Heritage Week fashion show series witnessed the showcasing of the best of textiles and craft forms by renowned designers.

Designers who presented their collection today were: International Bangladeshi designer, Bibi Russell; Paridhi Jaipuria; Puja Arya; Ayush Kasliwal; Ajai Vir Singh, Nivedita Saboo, Madina Kasimbaeva, Wendell Rodricks, Rimzim Dadu and Abraham & Thakore.

It is to be recalled that the second edition of Rajasthan Heritage Week is jointly being organized by Khadi Board, Government of Rajasthan and Prasad Bidapa Associates at Hotel Diggi Palace in Jaipur. The five day fashion extravaganza is a unique endeavor to revive the traditional handmade traditional textiles and the beauty of Khadi.

About the designers and their collection:

Bibi Russell paid a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in this 100% Rajasthani collection and paying respect to the crafts people of Rajasthan. She has tried to follow the philosophy and the spirit of the Khadi movement, depicting khadi not only as a fabric but as a symbol of freedom and a way of life. The fabrics were in natural colours with hues and tones of salmon, green and blue. All ingredients used for the collection are from different parts of Rajasthan.

Paridhi Jaipuria showcased Bunai. Hand woven fabrics in cotton and wool, along with crisp kotadoriya and silk were combined with intricate embroideries, block printing and other intriguing techniques to create a multi-dimensional surface ornamentation.

Paridhi Jaipuria

Paridhi Jaipuria

Paridhi Jaipuria

Conscience by Ajai Vir Singh celebrated tropical living and brought an interesting international twist to Khadi recreating Bomber Jackets using and volume silhouettes for the trousers.  Satchel bags by the designer show the contemporary modern man.

 Puja Arya – Her collection Suruchi’s design language is a blend of locally rooted crafts - hand block printing, dyeing and hand embroidery that are crafted into contemporary fits to meet the comfort and style needs of the modern woman. The collection offers a wide range of designs from everyday wear to garments for special occasions in a variety of high quality natural fabrics like malmal cotton, chanderi, kota doriya, tassar, chiffon etc.

Rimzim Dadu showcased the eternal Kota Doria with embroideries in traditional Rajasthani forms. These summer dresses made a style statement with their cuts and colours.

The collection by Ayush Kasliwal – ‘ANANTAYA loves HANDLOOM’, explored khadi as 'whole cloth' using handloom in its entirety with minimal construction to create wearable body sculpture. Incorporating the narrative of 'whole cloth' traditions from the dhoti to the sari, the poncho to the hapari, designer Ayush Kasliwal introduces his debut collection.

Ayush Kasliwal

Ayush Kasliwal

Ayush Kasliwal

Nivedita Saboo – The collection showcased Khadi wool and leather from Rajasthan. Edgy, slick, sharp and dapper, these suits, bandhgalas and gowns, with digital and block printed linings are suitable for Red Carpets globally. Accessorized with hand-crafted belts, toggles, brooches’ and buttons, house, these ensembles showed the amount of detailing that has gone into pattern-making and finishes.

Nivedita Saboo

Hemant Trevedi with ‘Tribute to the Modern Mahatma’ – Never wanting to trivialize Gandhi and everything he stands for, tried to replicate him today evening.  Along with this, Trevedi presented an Indo-fusion sportswear to formal range of separates completely made in textured Khadi and Indigo Handloom printed fabrics.

Hemant Trevedi

Madina Kasimbaeva from Uzbekistan used Khadi in combination with the Uzbek national embroidery in contemporary and easy-to-wear outfits by blending it in a harmonious manner. All the colours used in both the fabrics as well as the threads are natural. The Ikat lining used is Uzbek hand-made silk.

Wendell Rodricks - With ‘Handmade in Rajasthan’, trapezoid shape in a fashion collection celebrating this rarely used ancient form was explored. It was presented with a contemporary eye inspired by the architectural elements of the Amber Palace in Amer Fort in Jaipur. The Bagru region's traditional and organic hand block prints on Jootis as well as the Patwa community's handcrafted jewellery with contemporary details were also featured. The fabrics were especially handwoven and hand dyed are in Rajasthani khadi and cotton weaves. This collection in its new-age trapezoid form pushes the envelope to make clothes that are at times uni-size, unisex and unique for all Indian women and collaborates well with the heritage culture and crafts straight from the vibrant heart of Rajasthan.

The collection by Little Shilpa

The finale collection was by the Masters of Design – Abraham & Thakore. They showcased women’s wear and menswear in cotton khadi in a neutral palette of ivory, ecru, black and shades of dun and desert sand. Simple separates are ornamented with stitch work to create patterns inspired by tribal line drawings to interact with the natural textures created by the hand spun yarns.
.
More Pics are On their Way . . . 
.