WIFW: Kavita Bhartia pays tribute to 'karigars'

The spring summer 2015 edition of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) is different as it focuses on handloom and maintaining the theme ace designer Kavita Bhartia showcased a collection which, she said, was "an ode to master artisans and karigars".

"My collection is an ode to the karigars and master artisans who work effortlessly behind the scenes to transform textiles into contours, along with indigenous craftsmanship and left with no appreciation," the designer told IANS.

Titled "Out of the Karkhana - To The Runways", the line inspired by the Chintz designs, originally glazed calico textiles printed with designs featuring flowers and other patterns in different colours, typically on a light plain background.

One witnessed a wide variety of dyeing and printing techniques on skirts, pleats, origami base folds on skirts, and architectural jaalis using sequins and zardozi on other garments.

The designer has used fabrics that varied from khadi, cotton, georgette and summer lace in shades of ivory, white, mist green and pink.

Some of the dresses that garnered attention was full circle voluminous skirts, body-contour tops, flowing gowns, asymmetric hemmed dresses, kurtas and jackets with contemporary lace updates.

All in all it was a show earned brownie points for its India inspired theme and soothing music added more power to the look and feel of the theme when the models hit the ramp.

Organised by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the five-day event is being held at Pragati Maidan.