Shrijan blends fashion and art in New Delhi
'This showcase brings together elements of fashion, craft, art, and culture," the development commissioner for handicrafts Amrit Raj told Elle India about the initiative. Curated by Sunil Sethi, chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India, in collaboration with Craftroots and supported by DC Handicrafts under the Ministry of Textiles, the showcase explores the transformation of traditional techniques into contemporary expressions.
Shrijan frames craft as a metaphor for birth and renewal, using textiles and textures to reflect creation, growth and transformation. The exhibit features cotton, silk, Mashru, velvet, Kutchi weaves and Ajrakh fabrics, with techniques ranging from hand embroidery and aari work to crochet, mud art, bamboo knotting and LED integrations.
"The Final Layer- an evocative installation where bamboo canes, thread balls, and hand embroidery come together in a gown that symbolises collective emotion and unity," the FDCI announced on Facebook, sharing images of an art piece from the exhibition. "Each element is meticulously crafted, reflecting the shared rhythm of creation and the beauty of craftsmanship."
Many of the featured pieces were created by rural artisans from Gujarat, supported by Craftroots, a platform that works with over 35,000 craftspeople across India. 'We wanted the artisan to be the hero,' said Sethi about the exhibit.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fashion Network
3 days ago
- Fashion Network
Prada scandal proves the power of India's troll army
Retailing for as little as $10, India's beloved Kolhapuri sandals are a staple in wardrobes across the sub-continent. So when luxury brand Prada SpA debuted a new type of footwear at Milan Fashion Week that bore a stark resemblance to them, it didn't take long for the fury to build online. See catwalk The saga underscores how much power the South Asian giant's digital tribe holds, where online outrage regularly influences public debate — especially when citizens perceive their heritage is under attack. International firms eyeing one of the world's fastest-growing markets should weigh the risks of these cultural missteps. The Italian fashion house's troubles began when it introduced its menswear collection in June. The sandals, described as 'leather footwear,' displayed an open-toe braided pattern that was strikingly similar to Kolhapuri sandals made in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. (Your columnist has several pairs of Kolhapuris in her wardrobe.) Historically, the sandals were produced for specific communities. For farmers who worked in the fields, they were robust and able to withstand wear-and-tear; for the courtier class and nobles they were more delicate and ostentatious. In 2019, the footwear was awarded the Geographical Indication status, viewed as a mark of authenticity. (Other Indian items to have received this tag include Darjeeling tea and Alphonso mangoes.) But Prada didn't credit India for the designs, prompting a brutal social media backlash. The nationalistic sentiment whipped up by this controversy boosted sales of the traditional sandals. The country's online community is renowned for its digital ferocity — it accused the brand of cultural appropriation, and the furor forced the fashion house into damage control mode. It issued a statement saying it recognized the sandals were inspired by traditional Indian footwear. The luxury brand's experience is a reminder that in India, foreign firms have to be aware of how reputational risk could affect future revenue. Internet penetration is rising, with 55% of the population connected. Social media is growing fast, too: It's estimated the world's most populous nation is home to 462 million social media users. India is a rising global power, one international brands are keen to break into. But local and foreign firms face various challenges: Bureaucracy, shoddy infrastructure and unique consumer behaviors that include a fierce defense of India's rich heritage. All of these factors require a tailored approach. Success in the market lies in the ability to balance local authenticity and global appeal — and the willingness to 'learn to love and speak to India,' as Francois Grouiller, chief executive officer of the luxury consultancy IndLux recently noted. Foreign brands can't afford to ignore India's luxury market, which reached $7.74 billion in 2023, and is projected to approach $12 billion by 2028, a recent Kearney report notes. Other estimates predict the sector could more than triple by 2030, growing to upward of $85 billion. The number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals — people with a net worth of at least $30 million — is expected to grow by 50% by 2028. These forecasts come with the obvious caveats — most notably, there is still a huge wealth gap in the country. While the 100 million wealthiest people are splurging, 400 million of their middle-class counterparts have cut back. Global economic conditions are becoming less supportive, as US President Donald Trump 's sweeping tariffs fuel trade tensions and put pressure on future growth. Still, viewing consumers as a long-term opportunity rather than just a short-term play would help these firms thrive. Even more important is understanding that India is home to a diverse market with distinct needs. Some brands have grasped this already — high-end jeweler Bulgari SpA offers a pricey Mangalsutra necklace inspired by a chain traditionally worn by married women — tapping into the desire for luxury with home-grown sensibilities. The Italian brand is not the first — and neither will it be the last — to fall foul of cultural norms. Earlier this year, Gucci made the mistake of calling Bollywood star Alia Bhatt's custom-made sari-lehenga (a fusion of the traditional sari with a long skirt) a gown. Another online frenzy was set off in May, when a viral social media trend was criticized for calling the dupatta — a traditional South Asian shawl — a Scandinavian scarf. Prada doesn't own any retail stores in India, depending instead on the super-rich diaspora and wealthy Indians who travel overseas. But the firm — which has seen its shares lose about 30% since February as investors took fright at its purchase of Versace — isn't taking any chances. In a conciliatory move, it's now working with traditional artisans to understand the history behind the famed Kolhapuris. The luxury fashion house has learned the hard way that cultural fluency is no longer a 'nice to have'— it's central to business survival.
LeMonde
4 days ago
- LeMonde
Montmartre residents denounce the Paris neighborhood's 'Disneyfication'
From the public bench on Place Dalida, just behind the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, one can witness a peculiar spectacle at any time of day. Dozens of Spanish, Indian, Chinese and American tourists line up to pose next to the statue of the singer Dalida. Not just any pose: Each holds her breasts. The gesture is unusual and the faces are laughing, as stroking Dalida's chest is said to bring good luck in love. On Rue de l'Abreuvoir, the same lines of tourists form – this time, to snap a photo in front of La Maison Rose, a café featured in the American series Emily in Paris. Further down, on Rue des Trois-Frères, another queue blocks a narrow sidewalk: It's for the vintage photo booth, a social media sensation. Three places Emily forgot to visit in Paris The Carnavalet Museum Anyone who loves Paris should go here. Dedicated to the history of the capital, the beautiful building in the Marais reopened in 2021 after four and a half years of work. On the first floor, the collection of signs recalls the city's commercial vocation, long before the high-end brands Emily loved: Au griffon (furniture dealer), A la couronne d'or (innkeeper), and so on. In the garden, a tempting café would be an ideal setting for the series. 23, rue de Sévigné, Paris 3 e. Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. Free admission for the permanent collections. The National Museum of the Middle Ages Not far from Emily's home, this institution reopened in 2022, after... eleven years of work. After the kiss given to Gabriel under the big clock at the Musée d'Orsay, the American could take her new darling, Alfie, there. We're pretty sure she'd love the hyper-stylized lady with the unicorn on her large six-panel tapestry. As for the frigidarium, it is a unique testimony to Gallo-Roman baths, even before the advent of the Middle Ages. Paris was then Lutetia. 28, rue du Sommerard, Paris 5 e. Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 am to 6:15 pm. From €10 to €12. Bourse de commerce - Pinault Collection At Les Halles, the Bourse de Commerce has long remained closed to visitors. Since 2021, the billionaire François Pinault, owner of Gucci (Emily is wearing a Gucci bag), has been the tenant for fifty years. He exhibits part of his contemporary art collection there. Restored and transformed by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the site is also worth seeing for its spectacular glass dome, around which wraps the allegorical fresco of world trade created in the 19 th century by four different painters. 2, rue de Viarmes, Paris 1 er. Wednesday to Monday, 11 am to 7 pm. From €10 to €14. Welcome to photogenic Montmartre, with its hidden gardens, windmills, vineyard, funicular, street artists – and millions of visitors from around the globe. In this neighborhood where ice cream, crêpe and miniature Eiffel Tower vendors thrive, even the traffic seems orchestrated by Disneyland. Sidecars, 2CVs, Méharis and tuk-tuks crisscross the Butte for a few dozen euros per person, crossing paths with tourist trains – there are five in total. But in recent months, a fracture has appeared in this fairy-tale setting. In this neighborhood of 27,000 residents, banners have popped up in windows: "Residents forgotten!"; "Let Montmartre residents live"; "Behind these facades, there are people." School buildings display signs: "No to class closures!" Street signs announcing pedestrianization have been spray-painted with "Stop." In just a few months, overtourism in Montmartre has become a political issue, taken up by residents' associations, business owners and elected officials from across the political spectrum.
Fashion Network
4 days ago
- Fashion Network
Prada scandal proves the power of India's troll army
Retailing for as little as $10, India's beloved Kolhapuri sandals are a staple in wardrobes across the sub-continent. So when luxury brand Prada SpA debuted a new type of footwear at Milan Fashion Week that bore a stark resemblance to them, it didn't take long for the fury to build online. See catwalk The saga underscores how much power the South Asian giant's digital tribe holds, where online outrage regularly influences public debate — especially when citizens perceive their heritage is under attack. International firms eyeing one of the world's fastest-growing markets should weigh the risks of these cultural missteps. The Italian fashion house's troubles began when it introduced its menswear collection in June. The sandals, described as 'leather footwear,' displayed an open-toe braided pattern that was strikingly similar to Kolhapuri sandals made in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. (Your columnist has several pairs of Kolhapuris in her wardrobe.) Historically, the sandals were produced for specific communities. For farmers who worked in the fields, they were robust and able to withstand wear-and-tear; for the courtier class and nobles they were more delicate and ostentatious. In 2019, the footwear was awarded the Geographical Indication status, viewed as a mark of authenticity. (Other Indian items to have received this tag include Darjeeling tea and Alphonso mangoes.) But Prada didn't credit India for the designs, prompting a brutal social media backlash. The nationalistic sentiment whipped up by this controversy boosted sales of the traditional sandals. The country's online community is renowned for its digital ferocity — it accused the brand of cultural appropriation, and the furor forced the fashion house into damage control mode. It issued a statement saying it recognized the sandals were inspired by traditional Indian footwear. The luxury brand's experience is a reminder that in India, foreign firms have to be aware of how reputational risk could affect future revenue. Internet penetration is rising, with 55% of the population connected. Social media is growing fast, too: It's estimated the world's most populous nation is home to 462 million social media users. India is a rising global power, one international brands are keen to break into. But local and foreign firms face various challenges: Bureaucracy, shoddy infrastructure and unique consumer behaviors that include a fierce defense of India's rich heritage. All of these factors require a tailored approach. Success in the market lies in the ability to balance local authenticity and global appeal — and the willingness to 'learn to love and speak to India,' as Francois Grouiller, chief executive officer of the luxury consultancy IndLux recently noted. Foreign brands can't afford to ignore India's luxury market, which reached $7.74 billion in 2023, and is projected to approach $12 billion by 2028, a recent Kearney report notes. Other estimates predict the sector could more than triple by 2030, growing to upward of $85 billion. The number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals — people with a net worth of at least $30 million — is expected to grow by 50% by 2028. These forecasts come with the obvious caveats — most notably, there is still a huge wealth gap in the country. While the 100 million wealthiest people are splurging, 400 million of their middle-class counterparts have cut back. Global economic conditions are becoming less supportive, as US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs fuel trade tensions and put pressure on future growth. Still, viewing consumers as a long-term opportunity rather than just a short-term play would help these firms thrive. Even more important is understanding that India is home to a diverse market with distinct needs. Some brands have grasped this already — high-end jeweler Bulgari SpA offers a pricey Mangalsutra necklace inspired by a chain traditionally worn by married women — tapping into the desire for luxury with home-grown sensibilities. The Italian brand is not the first — and neither will it be the last — to fall foul of cultural norms. Earlier this year, Gucci made the mistake of calling Bollywood star Alia Bhatt's custom-made sari-lehenga (a fusion of the traditional sari with a long skirt) a gown. Another online frenzy was set off in May, when a viral social media trend was criticized for calling the dupatta — a traditional South Asian shawl — a Scandinavian scarf. Prada doesn't own any retail stores in India, depending instead on the super-rich diaspora and wealthy Indians who travel overseas. But the firm — which has seen its shares lose about 30% since February as investors took fright at its purchase of Versace — isn't taking any chances. In a conciliatory move, it's now working with traditional artisans to understand the history behind the famed Kolhapuris. The luxury fashion house has learned the hard way that cultural fluency is no longer a 'nice to have'— it's central to business survival.
