HYDERABAD: Fashion designer Archana Kochhar says that she is promoting five dying arts through platforms like events and fashion runways. “I am also employing the artisans who create these arts, add modern twists to give them contemporary look while retaining the essence of these arts,” she explains.
Towards revival
The villages that I have chosen for the revival are Warli, Banjara, Himroo, Hupari and Patwa. I have made three collections based on Warli, Ghungroo and Banjara. Each collection was made for different unique platforms. Warli was made for a corporate, Ghungroo for a charity cause for Smile Foundation, an organization for girl child education in which 20 celebrities walked the ramp in the collection. I have just completed my latest collection Banjara inspired by Banjara art from one of the chosen villages.
Strategy
The idea is to promote these dying arts across various media and platforms by making them more wearable and thus popularise them. All clothes based on these arts will be crafted in a more modernised way by incorporating the modern silhouette and patterns. Fashion runways and events are the major essentials in promoting these arts, and this will generate employment to those artisans as well.
Behind Banjara
My collection, which is inspired by Banjara, is an acknowledgment of the beautiful and colourful art from the village of Banjara. I am reviving this art by making the Banjara motifs and embroidery more modernised and fusing it into contemporary silhouettes and patterns keeping the ethnicity intact. The embroideries are a mix of colourful wool and thread work, mirrors, antique coins and tassels. The motifs are more contemporary with a hint of Banjara elements. I will be showcasing this collection on global as well as national platforms.
About the collection
The embroideries are a mix of colourful wool and thread work, mirrors, beads, antique coins and tassels. The motifs are more contemporary with a hint of Banjara elements. The colour palette is a mix of bright neon’s and fresh colours. The fabric is a mix of ethnic silks, raw silk and Italian lycra.
Upcoming
I will be participating in shows like Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, Bridal week, Ramp for Champs and several others in the near future.