Old weave, new style

Fashion designer Rahul Mishra, known for merging traditional Indian weaves with modern designs has taken his passion a step further by indulging in Ikat weaves this time around.

The designer says that the decision to work with Ikat weaves came after the realisation that weavers in Pochampally have been going through a difficult phase due to insurgency and neglect.

A five star hotel got in touch with him to create a special line for their fashion space. “They wanted to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for Pochampally artisans,” says Rahul, who reveals that Ikat has always fascinated him as a designer. “Not only because of the stupendous technique and skill required to weave it, but the footprints of the process the weave carries with it,” he says.

Ikat, he adds, is a difficult weave to work with. The outcome may be very simple but the process, right from conceptualisation to execution is what makes a garment in this weave worth treasuring and may be even passing on to the next generation. To tap without tampering was the motto.” Rahul aimed at balancing the fabric, form, fashion and function of an Ikat weave and at the same time make it appealing to a modern woman who can flaunt the garment at a contemporary social do.

So, what kind of garments has he created with this weave? “The garments have an orchestrated placement of motifs, unlike its contemporaries and that brings a new dimension to this bespoke textile. The collection essentially features classics pieces, rich coats, long tunics, wraps, skirts and jumpsuits,” says Rahul.