Earlier this year, we told you about how Kochi is embracing the pop-up culture at a speed of one event per month. But, we take that back as over ten curated trunk shows take over the city this weekend. With their lineups listing prestigious labels such as Varanasi-based Tifli and Delhi-based designer/sari enthusiast Rema Kumar, these events promise limited edition pieces showcasing exquisite textile and artisanal traditions such as apparels dotted with patachitra art.Having caught up with the curators for a sneak peek, here’s our take on the shopping bonanza. Read on.
Textile Tales by Rema Kumar
Born out of her attempt to document India’s multitude of surface detailing techniques, Delhi-based designer Rema Kumar’s handwoven collection will include weaves such as ajrakh and shibori this year. Consisting of stoles, dupattas and saris crafted in kota, linen, uttara and maheshwari, her creations highlight unique applique works like the pipli technique from Odisha. While there, watch out for her limited edition mix and match blouses. On December 8. At Rotary Bal Bhavan.
Tilfi Banaras
At the latest event curated by Harbinger of Spring, slow fashion meets heirloom pieces through the magic woven by Tilfi Banaras. Presenting an exquisite collection of benarasi saris in vibrant hues created with the finest of kora silk, this Varanasi-based label brings their artisanal pieces straight from the looms. Dotted with traditional detailing such as kadhua, this one of kind weaves feature floral as well as boota motifs. Till December 9. At Panampilly Nagar.
The Handmade Collective
Pick up your choice of ahimsa silk saris—ethically sourced and spun out of the damaged cocoons—at The handmade collective, an initiative by Bengaluru-based A Hundred Hands. Launched as a way of helping craftsmen achieve self-sufficiency, the exhibition will also feature bagru and dabu printed cotton sarees. “At the Kochi event, consumers will get to appreciate the rich craft and traditions of India and take home unique products while the artists take back 100% of their sales proceeds,” explains Sonia Dhawan who co-founded the NGO.From December 8 - 10. At David Hall.
Thari by Ethnic Collage
As it enters the second year of operation, Ethnic collage, the city-based online portal rewards its patrons with Thari 2017. Having directly associated with 500 plus handloom weavers across India, Ethnic Collage’s lineup for the pop-up lists over 12 renowned designers including ajrakh specialist Juned Khatri. Gond painted saris along with pichwai art saris forms one of the major attractions at this event alongside South Indian weaves like Negamam and Chettinad. Till December 10. At Center Hotel.
Shohini by Beyond Malabar
Having successfully hosted Anna Chakola’s inventive jewellery line from Boho Gypsy last month, Fort Kochi-based gallery is foraying into the wearable art with its brand new show. At their upcycled line of exhibits designed by Kolkata-based artist Shohini Gupta, expect limited edition necklaces and earrings featuring papier mache, ceramic, copper and silver. “The central point I always try to communicate is the uniqueness of handcrafted items in the hope that the audience/wearer learns to appreciate it's irregularities and quirks,” says Shohini.At Napier Street. From December 9 onwards.
The Designers Edit II
Widely regarded as a game changer within Kochi’s trunk shows, Celia Palathinkal’s team of designers has come up with a list of 14 eclectic brands this time. Featuring a range of crisp and clean khadi silhouettes, brands like Bengaluru-based White Noise and Mumbai-based Aureole are reserved for those who like a contemporary twist on their slow fashion style statements. On December 9. At The Center Hotel.
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Bling on
Furnish your festive wardrobe with dainty sterling silver pieces from city-based Abharna Petite’s exhibition this weekend. Encrusted with semi-precious stones such as rose quartz, lapis, amethyst, aventurine and smoky topaz, their quirky range of jewellery lists rings, moonstone necklaces and more. From December 8 -9. At Alankrita, Panampilly Nagar.
aryadinesh@newindianexpress.
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