Weavers have to adapt to change: Gaurang Shah

Designer Gaurang Shah feels that weavers have enough work as against the common perception that they are dying because of less work. However he feels that they need a right direction and have to adapt to change.

"Weavers have enough work to do... the only thing is they need a good direction.

"They need to change as if they hold on, saying that we want to do this only then there is no point. Weavers have to adapt to the change and those who are changing are surviving," Shah told IANS before his show on the Indian Handloom and Textiles Day at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) here.

"I work with more than 600 weavers for last few years and we do everything. Banaras weavers can't do only Banaras weaving and are involved in many other things so weavers are reday to change," he added.

Shah's collection titled "Samyukta", showcased at the LFW winter-festive 2015, was inspired by the love story between Prithviraj Chauhan and the strong-willed queen Samyukta and an interesting historical textile story.

The 44-piece elaborate collection of bridal wear put a strong stamp on Banaras weaves.

To the pulsating beat of Razab Ali Group's live band and the energetic dance by the two artistes, Akilesh and Apoorva, on the stage, the bridal collection was unveiled to a wildly applauding audience.

The designer revived Kanjeevaram, Khadi, Uppada, Paithani, Banarsi, Patan Patola, Kota Dhakai and added traditional embroidery like zardozi, gotta, doria, Marodi, aari and chikankari. Proving his love for the colour red in various hues and shades, Shah showcased designs that had anarkalis, lehengas and ghagras teamed with kurtis or cholis.

For the four groom entries, there were stylish jamas, choghas, sadris, achkans, dhotis and anghrakhis.

When a bride and groom dream of recreating history on the most important day of their lives, Shah's "Samyukta" collection will turn it into a reality.

His show was attended by veteran Sharmila Tagore who feels that Shah is one of the few designers who makes a sari attractive and asked him to "Teach all the wonderful young girls how to wear saris".

(Nivedita can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in)