LFW to highlight Manipuri, Maharashtrian weaving crafts

Mumbai: Manipuri and Maharashtrian handlooms will be in focus during the Lakme Fashion Week, scheduled to begin next month.

With an attempt to revive the traditional handloom weaving skills, reputed fashion designer Krishna Mehta has collaborated with the Manipur Department of Commerce & Industries for her upcoming show at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013. In a first of its kind partnership with Maharashtra State Handlooms Association, designers Shruti Sancheti and Soumitra Mondal will display the depth, beauty and richness of rural Maharashtra. "With an aim to celebrate and pay a tribute to Indian textiles and crafts, the Indian Textile Day has been a dedicated feature at LFW, season after season. This time we have partnered with Manipur Handlooms for an exclusive show where designer Krishna Mehta will translate the exotic and intricate rich weaves of Imphal into a sophisticated urban line," Saket Dhankar, Head-Fashion, IMG Reliance told reporters here. "We have also collaborated with Maharashtra State Handlooms Association where designers Shruti Sancheti and Soumitra Mondal will showcase their collection," Dhankar said. Indian Textile Day has been a dedicated feature as part of LFW`s endeavour to celebrate Indian Textiles and crafts. This season will once again pay tribute to the rich heritage of Indian fabrics through these two curated shows. There will be total 89 designers this season presenting their best ever collection at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013. Few well known designers this season include Ritu Kumar, Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Anita Dongre, Rocky S, Vikram Phadnis, Rahul Mishra and others. Bollywood`s favourite designer Manish Malhotra will open the show on August 22, while fashion legend Sabyasachi Mukherjee will present his collection as the grand finale designer. A total of 55 models, including two international, will be walking the ramp for the fashion extravaganza which kick starts from August 23. PTI