HYDERABAD: With rare hand embroidery techniques like parsi gara, nakshabandi and aari, taking centre stage at Craft Council of India’s (CCI) textile show in Chennai, the biannual event is in its 15th year. Bela Khaleeli, joint treasurer of the organisation, says, “This time we’ve brought in some new designers with really rare and extinct weaves and embroidery techniques.”
Besides Mumbai-based Smriti Morarka, with her floral and geometric motifs reflecting the Mughal era, here is our pick of some designers who are visiting for the first time.
Revival story
Ashdeen Lilaowala - an NID alumnus who was voted the hottest design talent last year by Elle - has had the likes of Mariah Carey and Beyonce Knowles wearing his drapes. Presenting bandhini, hand block-printed chanderis and maheshwari saris featuring the traditional parsi gara embroidery, the Mumbai -based designer says, “Our saris have a classic appeal that can be worn by your mother and grandmother.”
Priced from Rs 5,000. Details: ashdeen.com
Chasing folklore
Ekam saris by Moavi Designs (a recently launched New Delhi brand) will feature the return of the pure gold plated silver zari. “Using motifs like monkeys, deer and palm trees done with techniques like aari and hand knotting, I’ve tried to draw inspiration from the Ramayana,” Kavita Badsra informs. Priced from Rs 3,000. Details: moavidesign.com
Colour natural
Pracheen - a textile dyeing and printing family hailing from Kutch, Gujarat - will offer silk saris, dupattas, stoles and fabrics dyed in vegetable dyes like sappan wood, henna, and pomegranate. Sarfraz Khatri, belonging to the fifth generation of the family, says, “We do hand-block printing with designs ranging from the sanganeri butis to Mughal flowers, and also abstract kalamkari and paisleys.” Priced from Rs 8,000. Details: 098202 88978