By Ajit Sharma
Surajkund, Feb 8 The visitors to the 23rd Surajkund Crafts Mela were treated to an exquisite and extravagant fashion show, 'Hemvati-Khajuraho', sponsored by the Surajkund Mela Authority and the Madhya Pradesh Tourism, on the lawns of Hotel Rajhans at Surajkund in Faridabad. Thirteen leading models were among those who sashayed down the ramp flaunting the wares designed by five leading names from the fashion space.
An official spokesman said here today that 'Hemvati-Khajuraho' constituted the muse and nymph of the traditional Madhya Pradesh costumes and handlooms. The fashion show was conducted against the backdrop of 'Sanchi Stupa', a World Heritage site in MP, where the relics of Buddha are kept. Blending folk elements with the traditions of the State, the fashion show used entire material exclusively from the Theme State of MP.
More than 100 persons belonging to MP participated in the fashion show with 13 leading models including Krishna Somani, Amanpreet Wahi, Tina Chatwal, Bharkha Kaul, Aanchal Oberoi, Montu Tomar, Ankita Jain, Ashita Joshi, Shipra Malik, Sahiba Singh, Anousha Chauhan, Himani Thappa and Shabnum Sultana of India. Five leading designers showcased their wares at this platform provided by the Surajkund Mela Authority and MP Tourism. The five designers of national fame were Poonam Bhagat, Charu Prashar, Ashima Singh, Gunjan and Rahul Jain, the spokesman added. The show was directed by Mr Naresh kapuria and choreographed by Ms Liza Varma.
The designers impressively used traditional embroidery, block printing, the dying art of bandhani, zari work on their creations and used the famous chanderi fabric for designing jackets, salwar kameez, silhouettes and other Indo-western outfits. The models sashayed down the ramp, clad in extravagantly designed clothes of bold patterns and brilliantly coloured fabrics, adorned with dramatic jewellery.
Poonam Bhagat's 'Taika'-Finnish for magic is 18 years old and still emerging on a large scale in the fashion arena. Known for using only natural hand woven fabrics that are indigenous to India, she has an ode to MP. She used only chanderi silks paired with black jersey, black diaphanous tunics, sheath dresses and churidar kurta have been burnished with copper and bronze tones using metal thread embroiders enhanced by chanderi tissue completes her creation of clothes.
Charu Prashar had been selected as the 'New Generation' designer by Fashion Design Council of India last year. She is constantly motivated towards taking the exotic Indian craftsmanship and ancient printing techniques to the highest levels of luxury. Her collection has been created keeping in mind the rich fabric resources and treatment techniques which originated from MP. The influence of block printing is quite evident in this collection and the choices of woven fabric are Chanderis, Maheshwari along with kosa silk and pure cotton. The interesting fact about these woven fabrics is that the weavers in both Chanderi and Maheswari are Muslims, while Hindus take on the trading, truly creating the symphony of Creative Unity. Printing being her signature style is quite evident in this collection too. She has used block printing which is India's age old heritage and India's gift to the world of fashion. She has developed beautiful motifs which have been specially hand crafted and hand printed on the garments. Woven textiles chanderi's and mashewari's have also been used in ornamenting the ensembles. The colours are very basic and soothing and peaceful like whites and creams.
Ashima Singh Collection captures women's glamour, women desire to focus on life's essentials, there taste for anachronisms as well as independence of sprit. This is what prompts Ashima to personalize the fashion she loves to wear, always projecting the strong and the feminine side of women. The name of her collection is "Sonnet". Season- spring and summer 2009. The collection is a cheerful song designed to take us away from the everyday headlines, routines and mundane chores. Styles exhibit an experimentative approach, retaining simplicity and elegance while using traditional handcrafted details eclectic mix of vibrant and muted tones in silks, chiffon, blouses, wide-legged pants, maxi dresses with details of multicolored chains, sequins, ruffles pleating and hand embroideries.
Rahul and Gunjan it is the embodiment and the soul of the magnificence of India's traditional arts and crafts, which they have sought to bring to their exquisite collection.Chanderi has been an eternally favorite with Rahul and Gunjan and every season their collection has this has this fabric in some or the other character. This fabric from the heart of the county is close to their heart too. In the past seasons the designer duo has innovated with this versatile fabric by way of inducing silk strips and lines yarns with silk warp, cashing on the transparency of the fabric by underlay of sequins and silk patches and layered patch work in subtle contrast. The collection presented here shows the expanse of their work with this wonderful medium called Chanderi.
Besides 19 folk dancers of MP, a group of five dancers belonging to the famous Indian Festival Group and ten drummers of the Kalakar Trust, New Delhi, performed at the fashion show, lighting up the atmosphere and making the audience drop their jaws. Painters Natasha and Suchi painted on the theme of Khajuroa and created the best suited ambience of the heritage of MP.
The Haryana Minister of State, Mrs Kiran Choudhry after lighting the inaugural lamp said that the Surajkund crafts fair provided a good platform to master craftsmen of the country to display their finest handlooms and handicrafts. The President of India, Mrs Pratibha Devisingh Patil, had inaugurated the 23rd Surajkund Crafts Mela in the presence of the Union Minister of Tourism, Mrs Ambika Soni, and Tourism Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mr Tukoji Rao Puar. The fashion show was organized especially to showcase the rich traditions of textiles, crafts and styles of the Theme State participating in the Mela, said Mrs Choudhary.
Also present on this occasion were Additional Principal Secretary, Mr Chattar Singh, Commisoner and Secretary, Haryana Tourism, Mrs Keshani Anand Arora, Managing Director Haryana Tourism Mrs Satwanti Ahlawat, Managing Director MP Tourism Mr Ashwani Lohani and other officers of Haryana and Madhya Pradesh Government.
