Reviving textiles
Designers are embracing the preferences of Gen Z and creating outfits that fit into their wardrobes. They are incorporating elements like brocade into modern garments, from lehengas to crop tops and skirts. This fusion of traditional and contemporary styles resonates with the younger generation, who are looking for unique fashion choices.
The world of fashion is ever-evolving, and designers like Rajesh Pratap Singh, Anju Modi, Tarun Tahiliani, and many others are leading the trend of blending heritage with elements.
As the younger generation matures, they are increasingly inclined towards this fusion of the past and present. These designers are giving fresh looks to Indian fabrics like brocade, chanderi, and silk, adding modern styles that really connect with the younger generation. The cultural elegance innovative silhouettes, and designs align perfectly with Gen-Z’s desire for meaningful, authentic, and forward-thinking fashion.
Devansh Vij, 20, B.Com. student at Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, based in Delhi, says, “My recent purchase was a chanderi black kurta, which cost me around Rs15,000 from ‘Bharat’ a store in Paschim Vihar. I am an old-school person, and I like traditional Indian clothing. All the beautiful designs and handwork that our country has to offer are incredible. A designer kurta from, Abhinav Mishra is on my bucket list.”
One of the remarkable aspects of Indian fashion, is the revival of traditional fabrics. Designers like Anju Modi are meticulously exploring, and celebrating the rich textile heritage of India. Fabrics like brocade, known for their intricate patterns, and luxurious textures, have found a new lease of life.
Anju’s fusion of traditional lehengas with crop tops and capes. These reinvented classics offer, the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Her creative approach revitalises these timeless pieces. In her latest collection, the spotlight is on ethereal organza, elegant Anarkali sets, fashionable flared pants, and lavish brocade fabric. Her designs speak to those, who appreciate the beauty of heritage, while embracing the ever-evolving world of fashion, offering a range of attire that effortlessly captures, the essence of both worlds.
During the 2018, Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, Rajesh Pratap Singh unveiled his ‘Welcome to Jungle’ collection, featuring an exquisite range of brocade outfits. His collection included sherwanis for both men and women, along with jackets, tunics, skirts, sarees, and waistcoats crafted from luxurious fabric.
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“Attending his show was an amazing experience. The clothes were stunning. I really admire his designs. They are all one-of-a-kind and the amount of handwork that goes into them is truly impressive,” said Sujal Aggarwal, a 23-year-old, businessman currently residing in Delhi.
At the Indian Couture Week 2023, he presented, ‘Desert Rose’. As reported by The Voice of Fashion in an article written by Sohini Dey titled, Rajesh Pratap Singh’s Disruptive Indian Couture, “Apart from a few iterations in floral prints, and tone-and-tone bling, the emphasis was on defined tailoring and colour — the brand’s signature blacks and whites, punctuated with metallics — synthetic gold and copper Zari sourced from Surat employed artistically. The use of deep reds, saffron, and rani pink also made a statement.”
Deepanshi Talwar, 20, a political science student at Delhi University, based in Delhi, says, “The way our country’s designers are bringing back the traditional fabrics and converting them into what we are interested in is incredible. We want more comfortable, sustainable yet stylish and beautiful clothes.”
People are not just seeking fashion trends, they are drawn to the enduring beauty of Indian culture. Designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee have mastered the art of preserving our cultural traditions, and legacy through their creations. His wedding dresses capture the richness, and grandness of Indian weddings, but they also add modern touches for today’s brides.
He features a dedicated heritage section, offering a wide range of jewellery and bags. Furthermore, it has a distinct section dedicated to white weddings, catering to those seeking bridal attire in this classic colour. Its global appeal is evident in its international section, which boasts a variety of dresses, shorts, tops, and skirts. Additionally, the brand’s bags have gained worldwide recognition, solidifying his reputation as a global fashion icon.
Seema Billa, 45-year-old, homemaker, based in Delhi shares, “My most loved lehenga in my wardrobe is a Sabyasachi creation. The piece had Zari’s work all over it. I purchased it for my sister’s wedding, and even today, whenever I wear it, people shower compliments and inquire about the lehenga. The purchase was around Rs 3lakhs, but the beauty of the piece is all worth the money.”
