Symbiosis students showcase a perfect blend of modernity and traditions

The fashion department of Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) organised their annual fashion show, Timeless DeTour 2011, on October 1, on the institute’s campus in Vimannagar, Pune.  
A platform for all budding fashion designers of SID, Timeless DeTour 2011 was an endeavour to delve into all aspects of handicraft and the historical, social and cultural influences on today’s fashion.

The event was the result of more than six months of efforts by students, who were guided by the faculty of SID, showing sustained interest in crafts and textiles from different parts of India.

President of the Crafts Council of Maharashtra, Bela Shanghvi, known for working towards reviving textile traditions, graced the event as the chief guest. She shared her knowledge of various crafts from across India with the students.

Noopur Parmar, a third-year fashion communication student, said, “It was a very enriching experience to expand our knowledge of crafts that are on the verge of extinction. We realised it is our duty as designers to promote not only the craft, but also to uplift the artisans because they are a vital part of the design process.”

Another third-year fashion design student, Shruti Garg said, “I learnt a lot about textiles made in India and how they can be promoted. For example, how a Paithani saree can be used to make clutches, bags and chappals.”

Entering the fourth year of celebrating designs created by SID students, the festival is known for bringing forth new characteristics of Indian culture and tradition.

“The highlight of the event was not the fashion show, but an interaction with the artisans, who had come all the way from their native places. Apart from that, experts from the field of textile craft in India inspired students with their presentations at the event,” said Ankita Sehgal, a student.

A new concept introduced this year at the festival was Bazaar, where various artefacts were showcased. Capturing the essence of the idea, the bazaar set up consisted of artisans from Assam and Kolkata, mehendi artists and balloon-sellers. People also enjoyed at the stalls serving Indian fare such as pani-puri, candy floss, coconut, gola and guava to name a few.

This year, as part of the core subject of craft documentation, students explored the textile crafts of various states.

Students of fashion communication discovered local crafts from Kerala (Balaramapuram sarees, screw pine), Orissa (applique art, palm leaf art), Kolkata (Baluchari, leather batik embossing), Assam (Muga silk, bamboo and cane articles), Kullu (Kinnauri shawls, Pulla chappals).