Bangladeshi fashion designer and former international model Bibi Russell is all set to re-invent Khadi for her winter collection inspired by the textiles of Rajasthan.
The eminent designer is set to showcase her fashion line at the Rajasthan Heritage Week kick starting in Jaipur from December 3.
"I am going to do a touch of Rajasthan which is going to be head to toe Rajasthani. The collection will not have too much embroidery because it is going to be a part of the accessories. It is going to be a ready to wear collection," Russell told PTI.
The former super model from Bangladesh showcased a few pieces from her last collection at the newly revamped Bikaner House here. It included a Kota doria sari, skirt and dresses of lehariya besides trousers, shirts and waistcoats for men.
"This is from my last collection which was shown in April. It was my summer collection so I did a more summery line. My new collection which is going to be showcased at the heritage week will comprise of Khadi, Kota and a mix along with accessories. Everything is going to be different because it is winter collection," Russell said.
The eminent designer's bohemian style includes vibrant colours and a touch of quirk.
"Clothes will not have too much embroidery because it is going to be a part of the accessories. It is going to be a ready to wear collection which is affordable. And colours will be a little bit wintery and will comprise of warm colours not so bright," Russell said.
Sharing the fact that it was a dream come true for her to
work with Rajasthani weavers, fabric, Russell said the arid desert posed a challenging experience for her.
"It's a goldmine for any creative person whether its music or architecture or food. Bengal is completely different. Coming here and working here in a desert was challenging. And it became even more challenging to work because I work with only one tailor for my entire collection. My tailor is a dream," she said.
Speaking about the need to uplift the artists and weavers of the country, the eminent designer said that a sustainable source of income needs to be provided to the weavers for their development and growth.
"Everyone is going the organic way. I never say don't buy machine stuff, but at the same time one should show support by buying atleast one handloom stuff. The need of the hour for the fashion industry is ready to wear pret collection. The problem is you find such collections with a very high price or very low price.
"For example if you buy a saree for Rs 1 lakh everyone will see it and appreciate it but you only buy once. So, handloom stuff should be priced at Rs 5000 or Rs 10,000 so sustainable income can be provided to the weaver," she said.
The Rajasthan Heritage Week is a Textile Development Project in association with the Government of Rajasthan is targeting to involve designers and weavers with the focus on promotion of Khadi and Kota along with the upliftment of artisans and weavers.
"Heritage week is being organised to give support to crafts people like weavers and artisans.
