Actress Gauhar Khan to walk for Designer Rinku Sobti at Lakme Fashion Week W|F 2015

Mumbai, August 2015: Delhi based Designer Rinku Sobti brings a collection that redefines the loom tradition of Varanasi where Fashion Diva Gauhar Khan will be seen walking the ramp for the designer on the Indian Textile day at Lakme Fashion Week W|F 2015. Her grace and elegance is sure to complement the vibe of the design.

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.

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 draws inspiration from the rich Indian handloom culture that prevails and the intricate works of the weavers in the Bajardiya cluster to shape her collection ‘Tassels’.

The distinction between the contemporary and traditional Varanasi sprouted into two varying styles – The Subtle and The Grand.

Designer Rinku Sobti has interwoven both the styles effortlessly in her collection. The subtle is projected through avant-gardist cuts and checks while the grand shines through in the detailing of the traditional crafts with striking jewels that compliment the vivid color palette of the fabrics. The prêt includes chic garments with check designs and the grand comprises ornate fabrics with richly woven patterns. The novel silk net weaves that are a heritage and forte of the Bajardiya weavers brilliantly feature in the check patterns of the prêt designs.

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

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 is my first time at Lakme which makes me even more ecstatic.”

This creation is an ode to the handloom tradition and skilled weavers of India. It is a true tribute to the textile heritage of this country. Get ready for 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.

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.