Royalty meets FASHION
A fundraiser event organised by Crafts Council of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in association with Gaurang Shah had everyone take notice of the exquisite work of the country’s weavers
A line-up of the best of arts and crafts from the country, displays of intricately woven apparels and the grandeur of The Chowmallah Palace set the stage for Kausalyam — a fundraiser event organised by Crafts Council of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in association with Gaurang Shah. The proceeds from the event will help in the building of a new block for the weavers’ community by the Crafts Council.
While Shubha Mudgal performed live, Manjari Chaturvedi gave a Sufi Kathak performance. Actress Sridevi and Kirron Kher were also present at the show.
The elaborate set-up, with the chandeliers of Chowmallah lighting up just before the models walked in, was a first-of-itskind show to help revive the work of the weavers’ community
Talking about how it was all planned, Gaurang says, “The event had about 45 saris along with 60 pieces of art and craft on display and for sale. The saris have cross-border fusions in terms of the textures and motifs. For example, a paithani motif is woven on khadi, or the handwoven fabrics like khadi or matka silk with zardosi embroidery are enhanced with Parsi gara embroidery and French knots. All the saris are heirloom contemporary pieces.”
We ask the designer how the fashion show will help the weavers. “It’s only when we organise such big shows that their work gets noticed. I wouldn’t want to call it a fashion show. It’s like an out-of-the-world experience that we put together.”