VETERAN Indian designer Krishna Mehta who will showcase Manipuri weaving craft at the upcoming Lakme Fashion Week, says designers should make an effort to highlight indigenous crafts.
Mehta has collaborated with Manipur’s commerce and industry department to play up the state’s weaving techniques through her Winter/Festive 2013 collection.
The ace designer will showcase a distinctive fusion line at the event from August 23 to 27.
“It is an endeavour to showcase the skills of local weavers. I am giving my best shot and trying to open markets for them; I wish to open up their fabric to the country…it is beautiful,” Mehta said.
Manipur handloom has rarely been used comprehensively by a big designer.
“I have been working with weavers from across the country – from Banaras and Bhagalpur to Cochin and Andhra Pradesh. Manipur is one region I hadn’t touched. I found it to be very interesting and unique,” she said.
“I am doing a very heavy Indo-western couture collection for men and women. The colour story is going to be very bright and full of life with fuchsias, oranges, emeralds, indigos and reds. The collection reflects the colours and culture of Manipur,” Mehta said.
