Manipuri weaves in focus at LFW, thanks to Krishna Mehta

Manipur reportedly has 4.62 lakh handloom workers and provides highest employment to the women after farming, and ace designer Krishna Mehta is set to highlight the weaving technique of the state with her distinct creations at the forthcoming mega fashion event - Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Winter-Festive 2013.

The LFW will be held from Aug 23 to Aug 27 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Mumbai.

Mehta, who has collaborated with the Manipur fovernment's department of commerce and industries for the show, will showcase a distinctive fusion line that has been especially crafted by weavers in Imphal, capital of Manipur.

"It's an overwhelming moment for me to bring forth the unique workmanship of these women from Manipur through my designs, with whom I have worked extensively over several months in Imphal," she said in a statement.

"My fusion line has a distinct blend of Manipur's art and culture and I'm eager to present their amazing work for the world to see," added Mehta.

Manipur, which has 4.62 lakh handloom workers, second among the top states in the country, has almost 100 percent women weavers.

But Manipur handloom has rarely been used so comprehensively by any mainstream designer in the past and this is seen as a great platform to bring the handloom into mainstream fashion, says Govindas Konthoujam, Manipur's minister for commerce and industries, who also holds the charge of veterinary & animal husbandry and sericulture ministries.

"The state government of Manipur and Krishna Mehta have come together to showcase Manipuri handloom fabrics at LFW. Her creations using rich Manipuri handloom fabrics are expected to provide an opportunity for the other designers to take notice of the rich cultural heritage of Manipur," said Konthoujam.