Keen to make India a global fashion destination: Gen Next desginers

Indian fashion industry is doing its best to promote the craftsmanship and textiles of the country and the generation next designers say they are more than willing to contribute to this movement.
Ahead of the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2017, the Gen Next designers, who will be showcasing their collections on the first day of the fashion extravaganza, talk about their love for Indian craftsmanship.
In an interview with PTI, designer Akshat Bansal says, "India is an intriguing country. I do feel the need to be part of the fashion evolution and bring newness to it. Traditional techniques can look completely unconventional if they are given a modern touch.

"It's important to stick to the roots and offer what is unavailable in other parts of the globe."
Designer duo Saaksha Parekh and Kinnari Kamat say Indian craftsmanship is the soul of their creation.
Even though their silhouettes have a global appeal, the designers say their forte lies in Indian embroideries and fabrics.

"All our embroidery is done in house and is intrinsically Indian. All our fabric is sourced within India. It is important for us to stay true to our roots and culture by only using Indian material. The brand is Indian at its core and therefore must reflect our traditions and heritage in the craftsmanship."

Shenali Sema and Rinzin Lama of Untitle Co have made a switch to fashion from export background, the budding designers say, "We have always drawn inspiration from Indian craftsmanship and textiles. We believe it has become more pronounced over time."
Another Gen Next designer, Sumiran Kabir Sharma, says young generation are the change makers and should promote Indian fabrics and textiles.
"We should value what we have. The craft that India has is to be cherished and can be worked upon with the contemporary and modern techniques and used even in the current global fashion scenario."
Sharing the opinion of his contemporaries, Deepak Pathak says that Indian textiles and craftsmanship provide harmony and balance.

"It is imperative to carry forward that genealogy of extravagance and dramatic clothing, which reflects ageless quality and craftsmanship," he says.
The Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2017 is scheduled to happen from August 16 to 20.