Handloom expo begins in Chennai

10 Jun '11

2 min read

A wide range of weaves and textures are on offer at the National Handloom Expo, which began in Chennai. The Expo, which would go on for another twenty days, is being jointly organized by the Weavers' Service Centre (WSC), Chennai and the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

The display includes home furnishings, saris, outer wear, etc sourced from handloom cooperatives and clusters all over India. There are more than 130 stalls at the Expo including those from the Northeast and the National Jute Board. However, the main focus of the Expo is on cotton with some silk and silk cotton varieties.

Home furnishings on display include curtains, bath towels, cushion and pillow covers, bed sheets, table and kitchen linen, rugs and dhurries. Products woven from organic cotton are also available at the stalls.

The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd. (NEHHDC) has showcased the cotton and silk textiles of the Northeastern States at its stall.

A highlight of the Expo is the 'new age' fabric made using regenerated yarn from bamboo. The anti-bacterial fabric feels like silk, and looks like cotton. Due to its extra softness, the fabric is especially suited for children and the sensitively skinned. It has been the result of a special project undertaken by the WSC.

The Expo would not be a disappointment for teens and college goers as there is a vast range that includes salwar suits, stoles, dupattas, and kurtis – all in a wide range of colours.

For women who wear saris, the choice is immense. Kantha, Benaras, Bomkoi, Maheshwari,
Mangalagiri, Jamdani, Kota Doria, Pochampally, Tanchoi, Chanderi, and many more are on display. Phulkari from Jaipur and the light-as-air 350-khat variety from Rajasthan also vie for attention.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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