Last weekend saw the advent of the strength of ‘SELF’ in the artisan women as US secretary of state Hillary Clinton spent over an hour at the Hansiba outlet in South Mumbai.
Last weekend saw the advent of the strength of ‘SELF’ in the artisan women from Banaskantha, Patan, Kheda and Kutch as US secretary of state Hillary Clinton spent over an hour at the Hansiba outlet in South Mumbai last Saturday. But what many don’t know yet is that the former first lady of US put her appreciation into action by taking back a bright blue-grey bandhani dupatta, a rust-brown kurta for herself and, a red quilt and a colourful corset for her daughter Chelsea.
In the process, she picked a tab of Rs44,000 at the chic shop, instantly metamorphosing Hansiba brand as the face of ethnic Indian hot couture. An artisan from Patan, Puriben Ahir and daughter of the lady Hansiben Ahir after whom the brand has been named, couldn’t contain her excitement and astonishment at Hillary’s interest in their work. “She is very fond of bright colours. She actually learnt from us how to drape the dupatta. She said she bought the bright corset of bharatkaam and mirror-work for her daughter Chelsea,” Puriben recounted.
“We were touched beyond belief when she wore the kurta she bought from Hansiba to the dinner in Delhi the next day. Our humble domestic work from rural Gujarat has found favour with international dignitaries,” said Ramilaben Rohit from Anand, the elected president of SEWA whom Clinton addressed as Madam President. The SEWA team gifted a toran piece to Clinton that was 80-year-old. The piece was prepared by the 90-something Hansiba herself in her early years.
What’s more, though Clinton has visited SEWA outlet after a gap of 14 years, the next meet may not be so far away as a long-term tie-up has been forged with SEWA Trade Facilitation Center for constant interaction with White House and US markets.
Director of SEWA Reema Nanavaty told DNA that Clinton was keen on forging a long-term relationship between SEWA and US. “Giving access of US markets to rural artisans is main idea. A team from SEWA has been invited to two B2B events in New York this fall, one by UN General Assembly and another by Clinton Global Initiative. We may have a fashion show there or take up a stall; details to be determined soon,” she said.
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