Actress Gauahar Khan showstopper for Designer Rinku Sobti at the Lakme Fashion Week W|F 2015

Mumbai, 27th August 2015: The sensational Actress Gauahar Khan walked the ramp as a showstopper in an ethnically inspired piece for Designer Rinku Sobti at the Lakme Fashion Week W|F 2015 on the Indian Textile Day on 27th August 2015. The graceful actress truly complemented the design from the Delhi based Designer’s collection ‘Tassels’.

Tassels represent “a tuft of loosely hanging threads or cords knotted at one end and attached for decoration of fashion accessories, soft furnishings or clothing.” These luscious strands of threads are majorly used to accessorize things that are rich, lavish and extravagant which is ironic to the plight of the impoverished weavers whose art and skill continues to claim the appreciation it deserves.

Gauahar Khan feels, “It was a wonderful experience to walk the ramp in a Rinku Sobti showstopper dress. I loved the silhouettes and richness of this collection. I loved the designs as they were so awe-inspiring and truly to their roots.”

Designer Rinku Sobti says, “It has been hectic, exciting and laborious so far. The hard work that has been put in to create this collection has totally been worth it. I have seen the metamorphosis of the threads turning into fabric and the ultimate outfit. It was my first time at Lakme which made me even more ecstatic.”

The brand ‘Loom 1905’ is a thought inspired by the Swadeshi movement. Just like the concept of this revolutionary movement, the brand too advocates the preservation of the sumptuous handloom fabrics created in India. It aspires to motivate the youth of today to take this tradition forward and to embrace the beauty of this authentic art. The idea of loom was conceived in the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi. The designer drew inspiration from the rich Indian handloom culture that prevails and the intricate works of the weavers in the Bajardiya cluster to shape her collection.

The distinction between the contemporary and traditional Varanasi sprouted into two varying styles – The Subtle and The Grand. Designer Rinku Sobti had interwoven both the styles effortlessly in her collection. The subtle was projected through avant-gardist cuts and checks while the grand shone through in the detailing of the traditional crafts with striking jewels that compliment the vivid color palette of the fabrics. The prêt included chic garments with check designs and the grand comprised ornate fabrics with richly woven patterns. The novel silk net weaves that are a heritage and forte of the Bajardiya weavers brilliantly featured in the check patterns of the prêt designs.

An array of contemporary designs that can be worn on a daily basis was carefully created by the designer. She believes that the Macramé and elaborate motifs manifest throughout pieces. One could see a fascinating conglomerate of skirts, jackets both high and low, sarees, jumpsuits and woven formal lehengas. All of the designs featured clean cuts and strong lines. The collection was made of fine silks, hand woven by the best craftsmen in the country that made each design enriched with tradition and history.

This creation was an ode to the handloom tradition and skilled weavers of India. It was a true tribute to the textile heritage of this country. It was a show of ethnic proportions.

What the designer believes in:
Today, the handloom is threatened by the burgeoning prominence of the power loom, as the populace gravitates towards mechanically stitched clothing. Consequently, more weavers abandon their “forlorn” art. Working meticulously with the weavers of the Bajardiya cluster of Varanasi as part of my professional endeavours has made me realize their plight. Despite their tribulation, the destitute artists never fail to amaze me with the exotic creations of their nimble fingers. It is this very unnatural duality - the birth of elegance in impoverished hands - that ignites my ambition to revive the handloom. Also as a businesswoman I feel it has a great deal of promise. Once the handloom is properly placed in the market, it will reap great profits.

Taking this belief forward, the designer has created a line of designs that is awe-inspiring and thought provoking. ‘Tassels’ is her interpretation of the traditional handloom culture with a touch of contemporariness.