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South Asian designers showcase 'Threads of Unity'

One thing evident at SAARC fashion show here was that the designers from all the eight member nations are woven by a common thread.

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NEW DELHI: Whether it's India, Pakistan or Bangladesh, one thing evident at a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) fashion show here was that the designers from all the eight member nations are woven by a common thread.

The show titled - Threads of Unity - was put up on Friday by the country's apex fashion organisation Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), and was commissioned by the ministry of external affairs and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

Speaking on the occasion Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Ambika Soni said, "Nothing can be better than such shows to forge cultural ties and revive cultural unity."

"This show has given the designers an opportunity to move beyond borders and interact with fellow designers and showcase their unique tradition on a common platform. It truly represents South Asian fashion," said Rathi Vinay Jha, director general of FDCI.

The collections captured the rich cultural heritage, textile tradition and indigenous handicraft and embroideries distinct to each Saarc country.

The show kicked off with Ritu Kumar's bridal collection, which included heavily embroidered lehengas (skirts), salwar kurtas and saris of colours ranging from shades of red, pink to pastels and off-white.

"My couture wear celebrates the textiles of India, which are embellished by around 16 million practising craftspeople of the sub-continent," said Kumar.

This was followed by the display of creative brilliance of Zolaykha Sherad from Afghanistan. Apart from the ethnic outfit of the country, his line included black hooded cape dress with loads of embroidery, dresses with veil and trousers with jackets.

"My collection represents the culture of Afghanistan woven into modern design. The creations are inspired by calligraphy and a poem written by an Afghan poet Abdul Wader Bedel," said Sherad.

Bangladeshi designer Nasrine Karim's collection offered a generous dose of gossamer muslin embroidered saris. Dorothy Gurung's from Bhutan showcased traditionally woven coats and jackets teamed with jeans, skirts and boots.

Abhilash and Shimla from Maldives used traditional patterns from the country and hand woven fabrics like feyli and kasabu to create chic dresses, skirts and drapes with splendid use of gold and silver colour.

Shakun Shairchan's collection had Nepali dresses of varied lengths, trousers and tops in shades of white and gray. Ather and Sabeen hailing from Pakistan used predominantly black colour in their line offering kurtis of varied lengths and styles with churidars and harem pants, flared skirts for women. Men's wear had kurtas with parallel pants.

Sri Lankan designer Dharshi Keertisena finished off the show with breathtaking collection of saris with floral and batik prints.

Similarly it was 'old designs to new trends' for Maldives, 'local flora and fauna' for Sri Lanka and the 'various regions' for the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal.
    
"My creation is inspired by calligraphy and a poem written by Abdul Qader Bedel, an Afghan poet buried in Delhi. This fashion show is a marvellous platform and opportunity to send the message of oneness and respect among all the SAARC nations," Afghanistan designer Zolaykha Sherzad said putting the entire camaraderie of the SAARC cultural festival in India, to a perspective.
    
Indian designer Anamika Khanna cat-walked her models with the 'traditional heritage of India'.

    

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