Hyderabad designer takes Banjara designs to London-New York festival
8 Oct 2014 8:25 AM IST
It has created quite a buzz at the first Women Empowerment Luncheon
Designer Varsha Mahendra with Banjara women showcasing their work.
Hyderabad: A Hyderabad-based designer and her refined presentation of authentic embroidery work by Banjara women has created quite a buzz at the first Women Empowerment Luncheon, as part of the London-New York (LDNY) Festival held at the UN headquarters.
Representing India on the global platform, Varsha Mahendra, a former desig-ner from NIFT, showcased her collection that was infused with quintessentially Indian handlooms like Khadi, Ikat, Kalamkari etc.
With the increasing need for survival in cities, many Banjara women, who were born with a flair for the art form, are becoming daily wage labourers. This initiative focused on empowerment of women artisans to keep both the craft alive and also generate income.
“I have always been passionate about empowering women who are already into some form of business and help them reach larger audiences. These women are traditional designers and their foundation is deeply rooted in the country.
It is indeed a proud feeling to showcase this on a global platform. Many have been working at construction sites to meet their nee-ds and there are no next generation weavers or artisans in such a case. They have a special skill and are very talented.
Their embro-ideries haven’t been commonly used as they are raw and rustic. I had to refine them,” claimed Ms Mahendra. She has made her presence felt among women designers from Ethiopia, Mongolia, Palestine, Papua New Guinea and Peru.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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