An unrestrained expression of their dexterous textile stories are found beautifully woven into the narrative of their larger creative reservoir. But the individualistic indigenous flavours that the Indian traditions carry as their legacy, are sometimes withdrawn from public appreciation. Rupa Sood and Sharan Apparao understood this, and through Nayaab, they exhibit a sundry of labels that celebrate every fibre of these textiles.
Several designers have come together to partake in this initiative. Some of them are Ritu Kumar, Akaaro, Pero, Kora, Divyam Mehta, Eka, Nalini Malhotra, En Inde, 11.11, Indian Textiles, Weavers Studio and Pradeep Pillai.
The growing irreverence towards Indian textiles had begun to bother the both tremendously. The reality of a few years back showed below average buying trends in the segment. Some even thought that handmade weaves were loosing the race to machine made perfection. “The dilution of the craft, the mass-market mentality and the bling that crept into the textile and fashion industry, bothered me. My only thought was to bring back its respect,” says Sood.
Today its a changed story. Market apathy is fading, artisans are waking up to their worth, consumers are becoming more discerning. “The important thing now is to connect the right people with the right product and through Nayaab, we’re doing just that through this exhibition,” says Apparao.
In it’s fifth edition, a lot of understanding has emerged for the both of them. The market has taught Sood and Apparao how things tend to be extremely price sensitive. Even the slight shift gets mixed responses. Additionally, the right mix of products and designers is important, besides tight editing to get across the best.
Nayaab, which means exceptional, lives up to its name in the selection of designers. They don’t repeat techniques and geographical selections, so you have a truly unique, assorted line that keeps the purity of traditions intact.
Nayaab: November
23–25, from 11 am to 8 pm,
The Lodhi, New Delhi.