Scorching the ramp with traditional weaves

Graduation day

It could not have been a better way to show what one had learnt during the rigorous years of fashion designing! Showing the world their innovative creations, the students of Design and Innovation Academy (DIA) recently took part in their graduation ceremony-cum-fashion show ‘Silhouettes Graduation Show 2013’, based on the theme ‘Made in Dia or India’. 

The event, was held amidst much fanfare at Foyer, Olive Bar and Kitchen One style Mile. The event showcased fashion creations of the sixth semester students who revisited the bygone era of Indian crafts for inspiration and style and showcased the contemporary usage of  traditional crafts like chikankari, tie and dye, zari work, madhubani paintings and the golden yarn – jute.

The fashion theme focused on the Indian traditional crafts which are truly a source of inspiration. The beauty of Indian arts and crafts stretches to various levels – from the vibrant colours of Rajasthan’s tie and dye or the intricate jali work of Lucknow’s chikankari. On a deeper level, the Indian traditional arts are fascinating because they depict a socio-cultural narration. Through their forms and motifs, they tell stories and sagas. The vivid detailing and use of symbolic elements add layers of meaning to the garments. But, also it is no secret that the arts and crafts have shown a declining trend over the past few decades and even after prospering for centuries, they are now fighting for survival.

Commenting on the state of traditional crafts, Ritu Lal, HoD, fashion of Design and Innovation Academy, said, “Many traditional crafts are dying in India due to technologies and innovative machines. So, through our fashion show we wanted to revive it. We wanted to show that we can use fabrics like chikan and tie and dye even in western outfits.”
According to her, “The future of fashion in India is quite bright and soon we will see ourselves at par with the fashion capital of the world – France. We have the calibre to achieve that because now, even the foreign designers are taking a keen interest in the Indian fashion industry.”
Vidhi Agarwal, a student who showcased her collection in chikankari fabric, said, “My theme was Paris and I made short dresses, shorts and tops. The theme was Paris because the city has a delicate and romantic mood similar to a chikan fabric.” 

Another student Shweta Chauhan who won the Special Jury award shared her experience, “My theme was ‘I don’t want to grow up’ and I used only muslin fabric for my collection. I made jackets, trousers and skirts.”

DIA has many things to offers to its students. Amongst them is a university degree along with DIA awards which makes it a unique combination. Again the students too get exposure of the industry and the on-site learning programme in their second year, gives them an edge over the others.

Vyshalee Garg, another participating student, said, “My theme was ‘The Golden Ghat’ and I used the organic fabric for it, i.e., jute. I wanted to experiment with this fabric as cotton, silk, etc have become quite common nowadays. So, I wanted to make my garments in this organic fabric. I used all earthy colours like brown and golden in my collection.”