A confluence of culture through couture
Adapting the techniques of Maheshwari weaving with the innate exquisiteness of Kashmiri shawls REHWA’s upcoming exhibition will be a cross cultural exhibition. Inspired by the ornate beauty in the form of Kashmiri shawls, Naqqash festive collection will combine elaborate paisley motifs in block print and pleasing colours that will bring both new and classic looks together.
REHWA that has been closely working with the women populace in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh has been keeping alive the ancient tradition of textile weaving through its empowerment efforts. Keeping alive the Maheshwar handloom, the project has also aimed to reinvent the centuries old tradition to suit the change face of Indian couture, apart from ensuring economic independence to a whole generation of female weavers who are carrying forward the weaving technique.
Maheshwari sarees that are worn by women in the village follows the fashion trails of the handloom that finds its origin in the sleepy town of Maheshwar on the banks of the Narmada River.
Worked on handlooms, the saris with a plain, soft colour in its body has a trademark traditional border that is highlighted with detailed works. Apart from that, a different pallu makes it different from other popular handloom varieties like Paithani, Patola, Kancheepuram. The other trademark characteristic of the works is its blend of fine silk yarn and 80-120s count cotton yarn. In recent times, it has evolved with pure cotton varieties carrying a distinctive Maharashtrian flavour.
Working on the same objective, Naqqash will present a combination of the understated classicism of the handloom in the changing context of fashion and trends.
Use of elements like aankh, muthra, katari and kangra in the classic style make this borders stand out.
Naqqash will be presented at Apparao Infinity on September 26 to 28 at No7, Wallace Gardens 3rd Street, Nungambakkam, Chennai. Tel: 28332226 / 0726.