Japanese touch to Indian textiles

Surprised at the beauty and scope the various Indian fabrics have, she felt the urge to work on the fabrics using Japanese techniques.  Currently showcasing her latest collection Sind at the Cinnamon store on Lavelle Road, Ryoko’s designs were well-received by the Bangalore fashionistas. The designs are mainly oriental in nature and Ryoko says that being a Japanese, it was only natural for her to design clothes that one wears out there. “My main inspiration was the fabric itself. I find India having one of the most beautiful fabrics in the world. That’s why I source them from here and use Japanese techniques like Itajime dying process, persimmon tannin overdye and kamiko (paper clothing) to create the designs,” she explains.

Apart from drapes and kimono-styled coats, the collection also includes saris and dupattas, which utilises these unique dying techniques. Says Suma, a housewife, who had come for the exhibition, “These are very unique creations not something one can wear on a daily basis. While the saris and dupattas are very beautiful, other garments that she has created may cater to the younger generation.”

The exhibition saw a lot of curious eyes appreciating the striking colours and dyes that were on display. Made mainly in silk and silk cotton, Bangalore-based designer Sanchita Ajjampur described the collection as simple yet dramatic. “Take each piece by itself and the garment is so simple and lovely. But it’s the way she has put together two to three of them that makes the collection very dramatic and sophisticated. I feel the exhibition may not appeal to the masses but it will definitely be liked by those who know their textiles,” she adds. Sind is on display at the Cinnamon till June 26, between 10.30 am and 8.15 pm.