Latest news with #Chanderi
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
A love letter to Kashmir, couture and the timeless soul of Rohit Bal
Rohit Bal Couture's 'KASH-GUL' at Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 was a poignant tribute to the late designer. The collection, a fusion of Kashir aesthetics and floral motifs, showcased Bal's signature style through ivory, black, and wine hues on Chanderi, Matka silk, and velvet. Arjun Rampal's presence amplified the emotional resonance, celebrating Bal's enduring legacy. It wasn't just another couture show. It wasn't even just fashion. It was memory, magic, melancholy, and celebration all woven into one unforgettable evening. When Rohit Bal Couture presented 'KASH-GUL' at Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, time paused and in that stillness, we felt Rohit. From the moment the lights dimmed, one could sense it in the air: this was sacred ground. A world where fabric became poetry, silhouettes whispered nostalgia, and craft stood still in reverence. The runway became a gulistan, a mythical garden, where every look was a bloom plucked from the mind of a man who changed the language of Indian couture forever. And then, Arjun Rampal walked out. Not as a showstopper, but as a memory come alive. A tribute. A brother. The bond between them, etched over decades of muses, madness, and magic, could be felt in every step he took. It didn't feel like a finale. It felt like a beginning. Like Rohit never left. The name 'KASH-GUL' a tender fusion of Kashmir and Gul (flower) was a hint at what was to come: a collection that felt like a love letter to Bal's eternal muse. The Valley, with its haunting beauty, snow-dusted silence, and wild flowers dancing in alpine meadows, was stitched into every thread. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Shop Sale Libas Undo The colours were Rohit's signature lullaby, ivory, black, deep wine, romantic but restrained, like the palette of someone who has nothing to prove. There was Chanderi, Matka silk, and Velvet but never shouting, always sighing. The embroidery was delicate, respectful. As if the artisans were saying, 'We're still here. He taught us well.' There was no forced drama. No over-the-top theatrics. Just soul. Quiet, graceful, deeply intentional fashion that made one feel something. The kind of fashion that doesn't just want to be worn, it wants to be remembered. 'Every stitch has a memory. Every silhouette carries a sense of home,' shared Fraze Tasnim, Creative Director of Rohit Bal Couture. And one could see exactly what he meant. This wasn't about a 'comeback' or 'relaunch'. This was a conversation between the past and present. Between Rohit and all of us who miss him. What made it even more beautiful was the sense of intimacy. It didn't feel like a large-scale production. It felt like sitting inside the warmth of someone's home in the valley, wrapped in pashmina, sipping kahwa, while stories of love, art, and longing were told through clothes. The people in the room remembered that white sherwani, those lotus motifs, his obsession with symmetry, the roses, the shikargahs, the gold thread dancing against ivory. They remembered how Rohit made fashion feel like fine art. How he gave Indian couture a new vocabulary - equal parts romantic, wild, regal, and deeply personal. KASH-GUL didn't try to reimagine that legacy. It just carried it. With tenderness. With restraint. With love. And when the models walked their final turn, and the lights glowed soft gold, there was silence in the room, not the awkward kind, but the full-bodied kind. The kind that follows something precious. Something sacred. In that moment, it was clear: Rohit never left. His voice is still here, in the folds of the fabric, the cadence of the craft, the weight of the velvet, the shadow of a flower, and in the hearts of those who carry his legacy forward. It wasn't just a couture collection. It was a garden of memories, blooming with elegance, legacy, and love. And somewhere, in that eternal garden, the master smiled.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Kolhapuris To Banarsis: How Trade Deal With UK Put "Brand India" On Global Map
New Delhi: Protecting and promoting the "Brand India"-- from Kohlapuri Chappals to Banarasi and Chanderi textiles-- is a massive priority in the India-UK Free Trade Agreement set to be signed on Thursday in London. The pact will allow export of labour-intensive Indian products such as leather, footwear and clothing--often crafted by women-- at a concessional rate to British markets, opening a new chapter of a gender-inclusive trade framework. The trade deal, officially called a comprehensive economic and trade agreement, will be signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and is projected to double the trade between the two economies to $120 billion by 2030. In the pact, New Delhi has included gender equality provisions to enhance trade opportunities for women, especially female entrepreneurs, business owners, and workers, marking a significant shift in the country's previous trade policies. "We have championed our values-securing India's first-ever chapters in a free trade agreement on Anti-corruption, Labour rights, Gender, and Development. This chapter will enhance the opportunities for women to access the full benefits of the UK-India FTA. It will also advance women's economic empowerment and promote gender equality through trade," the UK government said in an earlier statement on the deal. The agreement includes reductions in tariffs, with India, which has a significantly more protectionist economy than the UK, slashing 90 per cent of its duties. This will allow the average tariff on UK products to drop to 3 per cent from 15 per cent. In return, Britain -- which already imports 11 billion euros worth of goods from India annually--will grant greater market access to Indian manufacturers. How The Deal Will Put India On The Global Map This will allow 99 per cent of Indian exports, including coveted textiles like Banarsi and Chanderi and leather icons like handmade Kolhapuri footwear, to have a duty-free access to UK markets. New Delhi's goal is to enhance India's brand recognition, cultural identity, and increase artisans' incomes-- especially of women-led businesses. It will also curb the cultural appropriation of Indian textile and handicraft products, where Western fashion industries source designs and styles from Indian craftsmanship without proper attribution or compensation. The latest example of this was the controversy surrounding global fashion brand Prada using Kolhapuri chappal designs in their 2026 menswear collection, without proper attribution or acknowledgement of the Indian heritage. The deal is also expected to boost job creation and financial independence for women, positioning India as a top supplier in labour-intensive sectors.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tabu gives the red carpet style an ultimate upgrade in this gold saree and backless blouse
Bollywood's heartthrob Tabu has long been synonymous with timeless elegance and unapologetic glamour. Known for her subtle yet classic style, she stunned in an avant-garde drape that screamed high fashion and exuded effortless poise. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Dressed in a gold Abhishek Sharma saree, she struck the perfect balance between structure and softness, giving the red carpet a swift and stylish upgrade. The almost-sheer fabric featured a lightweight Chanderi tissue, dipped with shimmer notes under the lights. With iconic pearl detailing and sunburst-like embroidery patterns, the overall look seemed to strike a balance between vintage glamour and modernity. (Image Credits: Instagram) Bipasha Basu's sizzling avatar on the Filmfare red carpet But, wait until you take a look at the iconic blouse. The actor teamed the saree with a sculpted, backless blouse that featured strands of pearls, bugle beads, and statement glass beads draped across it in a soft gradient of white to gold. The curved neckline had alluring beadwork cascading down, which further created a delicate movement. Talking about her glam front, she quickly pulled back her hair into a sharp bun and defined her brown eyeshadow with a deep, nude lipstick, painted on a dewy base. With starry block heels from Fizzy Goblet, she completed her red carpet style and redefined the meaning of old Bollywood glam. (Image Credits: Instagram) This iconic drape is part of Abhishek Sharma's Nadru collection. Named after the lotus stem and inspired by a lotus pond, the collection explores serenity and form in equal measure. In this saree, the philosophy comes through in the form of the fabric's weight, its intricate draping method, and the layered beadwork art.
Hans India
22-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Banarasi, Kanjivaram, Chanderi: How to Tell These Iconic Indian Weaves Apart
India's weaving traditions are a living tapestry of history, culture, and unmatched artistry. Among the most revered are Banarasi, Kanjivaram, and Chanderi — each celebrated for its distinct look, feel, and heritage. Yet, telling them apart isn't always easy for the untrained eye. With some insight into their origin, motifs, and textures, it becomes easier to appreciate the craftsmanship that defines each of these timeless silks. Here's a quick guide to help you identify the key characteristics of these iconic weaves: Banarasi: Royal Opulence from Varanasi Banarasi silk sarees are synonymous with grandeur. Originating in Varanasi (Banaras), these weaves are known for their heavy gold and silver zari work, often featuring Mughal-inspired patterns like florals, vines, and intricate jhallars (lace-like edges). Their shimmering finish and elaborate detailing make them a popular choice for bridal trousseaus and festive occasions. The fabric tends to be structured and slightly stiff, thanks to its densely woven base and ornate embellishments. Some high-end Banarasi sarees even include pure silver threads, showcasing the painstaking skill of artisans who uphold this centuries-old legacy. Kanjivaram: The Regal Drape from South India Kanjivaram sarees, also called Kanjeevarams, hail from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu — a region steeped in temple architecture and classical traditions. These sarees are distinct for their unique weaving technique, where the body and border are woven separately and then intricately joined together. Known for their bold motifs like peacocks, elephants, and temple gopurams (domes), Kanjivarams are woven from thick mulberry silk, giving them a rich texture and lustrous sheen. The sarees are both durable and majestic, making them treasured heirlooms in South Indian households. Chanderi: Subtle Elegance from Madhya Pradesh In contrast to the opulence of Banarasi and Kanjivaram, Chanderi sarees are the epitome of lightness and grace. Woven in the town of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, these sarees are prized for their sheer texture, soft glow, and feather-light weight — perfect for summer wear and minimalist occasions. Their beauty lies in simplicity. Chanderi weaves typically feature small, handwoven motifs like butis (tiny dots), florals, and geometric shapes. The fabric is usually a mix of silk and cotton or pure silk, offering breathability along with elegance.
Hans India
18-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Banarasi, Kanjivaram, Chanderi: Decoding the Differences Between India's Iconic Handloom Weaves
India's handloom heritage is a kaleidoscope of artistry, tradition, and cultural identity. Among the most celebrated weaves in the country are Banarasi, Kanjivaram, and Chanderi—each known for its exceptional craftsmanship, historical legacy, and unique visual appeal. Yet, to the untrained eye, distinguishing between them can be challenging. To help you appreciate and identify these heritage textiles more clearly, here's a guide that unpacks what makes each weave stand out: Banarasi: Regal Opulence from Varanasi Visual Appeal: Known for its lavish appearance, Banarasi sarees often feature ornate gold and silver zari work, creating a rich, gleaming finish. Known for its lavish appearance, Banarasi sarees often feature ornate gold and silver zari work, creating a rich, gleaming finish. Design Influence: Drawing heavily from Mughal aesthetics, common motifs include intricate florals, vines, and jhallar patterns that reflect a fusion of Persian and Indian art. Drawing heavily from Mughal aesthetics, common motifs include intricate florals, vines, and jhallar patterns that reflect a fusion of Persian and Indian art. Feel & Texture: The fabric is dense, structured, and often heavy due to the fine silk and detailed zari embroidery—making it a top choice for bridal ensembles and grand celebrations. Kanjivaram: Temple-Inspired Grandeur from Tamil Nadu Craftsmanship: Originating in Kanchipuram, these sarees are distinct for their complex technique where the border and body are woven separately, then masterfully interlocked. Originating in Kanchipuram, these sarees are distinct for their complex technique where the border and body are woven separately, then masterfully interlocked. Motif Signature: Inspired by South India's rich temple culture, motifs often include peacocks, elephants, and temple gopurams (domes), symbolizing prosperity and tradition. Inspired by South India's rich temple culture, motifs often include peacocks, elephants, and temple gopurams (domes), symbolizing prosperity and tradition. Texture: The silk is thick, glossy, and heavy, lending a luxurious drape that commands attention and reverence at festive or ceremonial events. Chanderi: Ethereal Elegance from Madhya Pradesh Light & Airy: Unlike its more opulent counterparts, Chanderi fabric is known for its sheer, lightweight quality—perfect for hot climates or minimalistic style. Unlike its more opulent counterparts, Chanderi fabric is known for its sheer, lightweight quality—perfect for hot climates or minimalistic style. Design Details: Adorned with delicate motifs like tiny butis, subtle florals, and geometric forms, Chanderi sarees strike a balance between elegance and simplicity. Adorned with delicate motifs like tiny butis, subtle florals, and geometric forms, Chanderi sarees strike a balance between elegance and simplicity. Finish: A soft, translucent texture with a gentle sheen gives Chanderi an ethereal charm that resonates with modern yet traditional sensibilities. Whether it's the rich sheen of a Banarasi, the bold elegance of a Kanjivaram, or the dreamy delicacy of a Chanderi, each weave tells a story of cultural pride and artisanal mastery. Recognizing their differences is not just about fashion—it's about honoring centuries of textile tradition.
