Press Release
The Rajasthan Heritage Week concluded today at Diggi Palace with fashion shows by renowned designers as well as master craftsmen of the state. The outfits showcased themes of Rajasthan such as the state’s architecture, sweets and the desert lands, among others.
About the Designers and Their Collection:
Awdhesh Kumar and Khushi Ram
This National Awardee showcases the best of Dabu Indigo Block prints. With all natural dyes used, this is one of the rarest shades and creates a great fusion when used on handloom cottons. His collection showcases the best of saris in Indigo.
Grameen Sansthan
A NGO represented by Ruma Devi and Vikram Singh, they have created a unique collection of men’s and women’s ensembles. A combination of kurtis, kurtas, waistcoats, saris, jackets and dupattas have been created on cotton, chanderi and silk.
Sitaramji
This National Awardee Masterweaver from Bikaner brought in a new level of quality and skill to traditional Khadi wool weaving. He has created a special variety this year called the ‘pattu’ and features stoles, shawls, scarves, kurtis and waist coats. For RHW 2018, he has also made woollen saris.
Mohammed Shahid
He is known for his work in Mughal Block Printing, creating a fusion of colours that suit the season. Working on Khadi Cotton, this collection is a tribute to the 18th century architecture in Rajasthan. The men’s kurtas are themed on abstract and geometric designs.
Purushottam Chippa
This Block Printer from Akola, is one of the newest craftsmen to specialise in the field of Indigo hand Block Printing. He is known for his unique colour combinations that have been inspired by the festivals and precious stones of Rajasthan.
Pavitra Muddaya and Artisan Khimraj from Barmer
Pavitha steps out of her comfort zone that is handloom weaving to experiment with the embroidery and appliqué work that are part of the magical crafts of Barmer. Her simple handwoven south Indian silks and cottons are embellished with designs that she both picked out and created while spending time with the artisans.
Jyoti Sachdeva Iyer
Their Winter Edition showcases Handcrafted Khadi Wool. Heritage textiles have been transformed into western looks. Finely finished overcoats, jackets and capes are some of their highlights.
Mohammed Sabir and Mohammed Irfan
This Master Artisan from Jaipur, won the National Award for his exquisite work in Lehariya. Their collection for RHW is themed around the Rajasthani Sweets, with Barfi being the highlight. The saris have the Barfi Mothda, Jaldhar Mothda with 13 colours, the Satrangi and a multi-lehariya with Kota Zari. For the first time he has also created a Sari with 65 colours that has taken him close to 30 days to make this master-piece.
Abdul Majeed
One of the most skilled Artisans in the country, Abdul Majeed is a second generation Block Printer specialising Mughal Block Printing. The collection made especially for RHW 2018 showcases the blocks used in the 19th century, on saris and dresses, made on cotton, chanderi, silk, tussar and linen.
Ashna Vaswani
Her collection for the Rajasthan Heritage Week 2018, called “BHATT-GHAR” is inspired by the beauty and grandeur of Rajasthan. She has used traditional block printing techniques in her garments and shown intricate tribal motifs. The ensembles consist of handwork techniques like thread work, coin work, weaves, mirror-work and zardosi. To further elaborate Rajasthan’s landscape in her outfits, she has used shades of desert like beige, rust, maroon, cobalt blue and ink blue, forming a mélange of colours for the Bold Tribal prints and antique embellishments.
RASA Jaipur
Continuing with their experiments with hand block printing, RASA’s collection has been inspired by the hand woven ‘khes’ of Punjab and the quintessential ‘jamawar’ of Kashmir.
Rajesh Pratap Singh
His presentation today at the heritage week comprises has visual references of traditional costumes. Ranging from Fit and flared to tailored and draped, Rajesh Pratap Singh has used khadi wool and khadi cotton. Block prints and ikat weaves are also used on the outfits.