Rajasthan Heritage Week to promote handmade fabrics

20 Nov '15

3 min read

The Rajasthan Heritage Week, a Textile Development Project which begins on December 3 in Jaipur, will involve designers and weavers to promote Khadi and Kota as fashionable fabric and will seek to improve the condition of artisans and weavers, according to media reports.

Seven national award-winning artisans along with renowned designers will come together to celebrate Rajasthan's handmade fabrics in the Rajasthan Heritage Week which is a joint effort of the Khadi Board and the Rajasthan government, in association with Prasad Bidapa Associates.

"The Rajasthan Heritage Week is part of the textile development programme that reaffirms our commitment to the traditional textile weavers of our State, who have tirelessly worked to continue the legacy of our forefathers,” Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje said.

“We have now engaged leading national and international designers to work with our weavers in building the brand of 'Handmade in Rajasthan'. We are determined to give our Khadi and handloom the tag of luxury, which it very rightly deserves. Every piece of fabric woven by hand represents the spirituality of the fabric of freedom, a Gandhian philosophy that should now create increased employment, success and a better quality of life for every artisan in our state," she said.

The event will feature a host of top designers from India and abroad including Ritu Kumar, Bibi Russel, Abraham and Thakore and Hemant Trivedi who have worked alongside award-winning artisans to showcase their intricate designs and artistry using heritage fabrics.

Bangladeshi fashion designer and former international model Bibi Russell is all set to re-invent Khadi for her winter collection inspired by the textiles of Rajasthan.

Russell showcased a few pieces from her last collection at the Bikaner House in New Delhi. It included a Kota doria sari, skirt and dresses of lehariya besides trousers, shirts and waistcoats for men.

Russell, who has been working constantly with Rajasthan's weavers and artisans said: "The Rajasthan Heritage Week is a project which is close to my heart. In Rajasthan, I have had the privilege of working with Khadi, Kota and other crafts. Surely through this initiative all the local artisans will get a better opportunity to show their unique talent nationally and globally."

Russell said that a sustainable source of income needs to be provided to the weavers for their development and growth.

Prasad Bidapa, the organiser and chief creative director of the project, said India needs to brand its Khadi and handloom masterpieces and position them as true luxury that is rare and unique.

The focus of the Rajasthan Heritage Week will be to showcase the versatility of the heritage fabrics to buyers across India and abroad, in the form of modern and fashionable apparel suitable for every occasion. (SH)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

More Textiles News - India...