Youth values art, craft and fashion: Krishna Mehta

Increased research in fashion, extended work with different textiles, fabrics and silhouttes stand testimony to the evolution of the Indian fashion industry, which has become more professional now courtesy the young generation, says designer Krishna Mehta.

Having launched her label in 1990, catering to the menswear and womenswear market, Mehta has been associated with ace design houses like Marc o Polo, Flash, Indiska and others, after she started with a family-owned garment export firm.

Being witness to multiple editions of fashion weeks in India and abroad, she says she is impressed with the course of the Indian fashion world.

"The way fashion is evolving in the country and the way professionalism is coming up, is amazing. I'm impressed with young generation. They value the art, the craft... and fashion, which was once upon a time just restricted to embroidery and all, is much more now."

"There is so much more happening in research, work with different textiles, fabrics and silhouttes," Mehta told IANS.

She forsees a bright future for the industry.

"Once upon a time, it was just about fashion shows. But today, with the help of young people, it has evolved. The business of fashion has multiplied to many more avenues. The people in this line also have become more professional, and I feel it's good for the industry," added the designer, who was among the few creative Indians who showcased her collections during the Milan Fashion Week in 2004.

At the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week summer-rest 2015, she showcased a boho chic 1970s-look inspired range for the new-age fashion followers. She even launched a footwear line with it.

The brand Krishna Mehta has marked an accelerated growth over the years both nationally and internationally, with presence across India, North America and parts of Europe.

Since its inception, the brand has promoted the Indian culture by blending it with contemporary fashion -- be it pret or couture.

Not only this, Mehta has also established an NGO: PALAK (Palanpur Hastakala Pvt Ltd), which trains and provides employment to differently abled men and women, in specific skills related to hand printing, dyeing and embroidery.

Sharing her view on the state of the handloom market, she says "it's viral now".

"People don't really think twice when buying handloom or something and they don't mind paying for premium products. Yes, handloom weavers are less, but their workmanship is beautiful. So we should help them to continue working and get the best price for their hardwork, so that it can go back to the weavers, and they don't leave the craft," she said.

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