Designers pay tribute to Banarasi weavers at LFW

In keeping with the spirit of the Indian Handloom & Textile day at Lakme Fashion Week, designers Swati and Sunaina, Rinku Sobti, Shruti Sanchet, and Swati Vijaivargaie along with Bollywood actresess Gauhar Khan, Lisa Haydon, Vidya Malwade today celebrated the rich heritage of hand-woven luxury.
The weaves of Banaras are the only surviving textiles in the world and the platform of the fashion week proved to be a perfect meeting point of the age-old traditions of the weavers and the high fashion designs.
Ardent followers of finely woven fabrics, Swati and Sunaina have worked with master weavers of Banaras to create heirlooms and keep the art alive.

They said their aim is to design gorgeous traditional textiles that can cater to the desires of the younger generation of sari wearers.
Their experiments with motifs, colours and placements have given a fresh impetus to the fabulous Banaras weaves.
"Our collection is about the intrinsic technique of very sound weaves. Throught this line we have tried to get the weaver, who have been long forgotten to the front seat and try and given them their due. We have showcased a lot of fine sarees," Swati and Sunaina said.

For Delhi-based Sobti, the chance to remember the weavers was a welcome challenge which she accepted with both arms open.

Bringing to centre stage the intricate work of the weavers in the Bajardiya cluster, the designer's "Tassels" collection was a ode to beauty. Just like the tufts of pretty free hanging threads or cords that embellish fabrics, the tassels added rich extravagance to the fabulous weaves.
"I have done a lot of checks and have worked very closely with Banarasi weavers. I have used a lot of silk, nets. My collection may consist of a lot of weaves but the style, cuts and silhouettes are such that it will appeal to the younger generation as well," Sobti told PTI.
Her muse Gauhar said it was an honour for her to walk the ramp for a cause, which is very relevant in today's times.

"Rinku's collection is all about tradition and fashion. The designs are very young and you can wear these garments with ease to any occasion you want- be it parties, weddings or for work as well," said the actress, who wore a tasselled cropped top and black silk embellished lehenga.