The Wizards of weave: CCI seeks to reinvent forgotten textile art and embellishment techniques 

While heritage weaves have dominated the last few pop-ups organised by The Craft Council of India, the 30th edition of the Sari and Accessories Textile Show spotlights the revival of heritage motifs and block prints. The annual two-day event, featuring 21 designers, will include Shilpi handicrafts’ Sanganer block prints with old Mughal motifs from Jaipur and Bomkai ikats by Odisha-based Palash, alongside Hyderabad-based designer and revivalist Ghanshyam Sarode’s minimalist Paithani saris, and more.

Shah Narayan Das

Bringing the best of Varanasi’s art, architecture and culture in the form of block print motifs and embroidery, Kolkata-based label Shah Narayan Das & Co offer a range of tanchoi, uppada, uchint, jamdani, khadi, cutwork, minakari, embossed kadiyal and jangla saris. Reviving the Shikargah pattern that comes inspired by the Bhonsale Ghat located in Nagpur, expect to find design patterns depicting wild animals and scenes of hunting on silk and cotton saris. “Besides the Shikargah motifs, our revival collection features motifs inspired by the jamawar shawls of Kashmir, like the  leaf in muted shades of grey, beige, dusty rose and browns,” says the CEO, Bharat Shah. 
Rs 7,000 onwards. Details: 033 32428227

Soham Dave

Pitching sustainability, Ahmedabad-based designer Soham Dave’s brand showcased the use of organic fabric and unique techniques at the Lakmé  fashion Week summer/Resort ’17. While stripes and checks dominated his collection Line by Line, it was the transposition of ajark block prints into hand-painted motifs on woven silk/cotton fabrics that were the highlight. “The entire range is naturally processed and finished. From natural hand woven fabrics to pool washed and field dried the entire design process eliminated the use of electricity,” says the designer. Debuting the collection in the city, expect to find drop-waist dresses, buttoned maxis, chequered cover-ups, and saris in shades of white, grey and black. Rs 5,000 onwards. Details: facebook.com/sohamdaveclothing/

Red Earth

While art curator Himanshu Verma, the ‘sari man’, is not a new-comer to the city, his brand Red Earth will showcase for the first time under The Craft Council banner. Known for his involvement with Indian contemporary and performing arts through textiles, the collection will also feature handwoven concept saris inspired by the art of Mark Rothko and Paul Klee by Bangalore-based Tuni textiles. “It is very interesting to see how the sari is being reinterpreted on the ramp. However, some of these designs are not very wearable. Red Earth looks at keeping designs contemporary while sticking to classical drapes,” says Himanshu. Rs 7,500 onwards. Details: facebook.com/redearthindia/

On April 7 and 8. At My Fortune Hotel. 10 am to 7 pm.