New Delhi [India]: From incredible sarees designed in lustrous tussar silk to kurtas woven from Kuchai, garments created from some of the best organic fabric of Jharkhand were on glorious display as internationally acclaimed designers showcased their work at the Amazon India Fashion Week today.
Some of India’s top fashion designers including Rina Dhaka, Shaina NC, Shruti Sancheti, Divya and Ambika Jain showcased their latest fashion collections designed from Jharkhand’s rich fabrics and handloom at the grand fashion show put together by Jharcraft.
Top models sashayed the ramp displaying the elegant collections with elan as the designers showcased their designs made of Tussar silk, Kuchai silk and other handloom fabrics of Jharkhand.
Jharcraft (Jharkhand Silk Textile and Handicraft Development Corporation Ltd) conceived the fashion event with an objective to put spotlight on to the exquisite and organic fabrics handcrafted by craftspeople of the state.
Union Minister for Textiles Smriti Irani also paid a visit to the Jharcraft pavilion and took a close look at the handloom collection. She also discussed the initiatives being undertaken to help artisans from the state to achieve better market access and improve their livelihood.
Tussar Silk, a special silk variety produced in eastern and central India, primarily in Jharkhand, was the special focus of the collection. India is the second largest producer of Tussar silk and the exclusive producer of Indian Tussar (also known as tropical tussar). In recent years, Jharkhand state has emerged as the largest producer of Tussar silk in the country.
The artisans producing the silk are largely poor tribals from Jharkhand state. In its quest to improve sources of livelihood for these artisans, Jharcraft works to promote their work and take it to national and international platforms.
“These silks are a deep manifestation of the tribal arts and crafts of the region and reflect the well-springs of creativity endowed with the ethnic communities of Jharkhand. Recognizing it as a source of income, the artisans of the state have in recent years further cultivated and enhanced their skills as well as variety of products. Jharkhand is today the leading producer of Tussar silk which is attracting much attention, especially among the discerning fabric lovers. By associating with such an event and showcasing Tussar silk and garments made of other handlooms of Jharkhand, our attempt is to take ours fabrics and handlooms to international markets,” said K Ravi Kumar, Managing Director, Jharcraft.
Tussar silk is made from silkworms. Some varieties produced in Jharkhand is also known as ‘Ahimsa’ silk because unlike the traditional process, this process allows silkworms to leave the cocoons before the cocoons are soaked in boiling water and reeled. The use of 100 percent natural dyes made from tree bark, vegetables, wild grasses and flowers ensure purely organic silk. (ANI)