With a curated lineup of designers from across the country, Utsav comes to Kochi

Utsav is one of the most sought-after calendar events for fashionistas in Kochi. This is because—for the past ten years—they’ve brought over dozens of fresh as well as award-winning designers from Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Pune, to highlight the latest and greatest in apparels, jewellery, and home decor.

What sets them apart from other sale/showcase fundraisers in the city? There’s no red carpet, sit-down dinner, or cocktail soiree here. Instead, this day-long function, organised by the Kottayam Ladies Circle (an off-shoot of the Kottayam ‘Round Table’) keeps it simple.

“The idea is to shed light on designers from outside the state and make their wares accessible to shopaholics in the city,” explains Uma Abraham, one of the organisers. “Previous editions have witnessed close to 3,000 walk-ins and that has helped us raise between `8-12 lakhs in the past,” she adds.      

Off the shelves
The event will have popular brands including Kolkata’s Bidisha Bhaduri (contemporary kantha and bathik outfits) and Hyderabad’s Seven Yarns (handloom saris), amongst others. We caught up Delhi-based brand Samprada, to find out about their selections.

“At our stall, you will find handblock prints (with Mughal era jaal and buti motifs) crafted by artisans from Gujarat and Rajasthan using 400-year-old techniques. Expect a blend of traditional natural cotton fabrics where the cuts resemble modern sensibilities,” shares owner Anuradha Singh.

Another label worth checking out is G5 Leather Bags, who have been running their own Chennai-based tannery and leather products export business for the past two decades. “We’ve just recently entered the domestic sector. Our accessories are all made with either cow/sheep leather. Unlike most solid-shaped casual leather bags/clutches in the market, our designs sport fuss-free, user-friendly silhouettes (think hidden cell phone pocket),” says designer Unnati Joseph. 

Unfortunately, this time around Utsav won’t have footwear stalls or their signature Xmas decor outlet. But the organisers are certain that they will fare well as their proceeds will go to a government-aided school in Kanam.

On October 28 at The Center Hotel.
From 10 am-8 pm. Details: facebook.com/utsavlc

 anoop.p@newindianexpress.com
@godsonlymistake