The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), paid homage to the Banarasi art and culture through the event Weaves of Banaras on Sunday during the Make in India Week – 2016.
Twelve leading designers, including Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Rohit Bal and Anita Dongre, displayed collections inspired from the sophisticated shimmer to antique brocade work. The opulent collection showcased the rich cultural heritage of Benaras. Conceptualised and executed by the FDCI, the open-air fashion show highlighted the crafts of Banaras, its luxurious weaves and the vivacious skills of the weavers.
“Tonight Fashion was seen as one of the industries in the Make In India context. This is the biggest satisfaction that FDCI’s designers have put our fraternity on the international scene. I would like to thank Mr Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Government of India for giving us an opportunity to collaborate with them. I would also extend my heartfelt gratitude to ITC Hotel management for a perfect venue and hospitality,” FDCI President Sunil Sethi said.
Also Read – Make In India Week to showcase ‘Weaves of Benaras’
The huge collection varied from dresses, coats to more traditional sarees, lehenga-cholis and anarkalis for women, while male models wore sherwanis, anarkali churidars and kurta pyjamas. The night saw Indian luxury at its best lending viewers a phenomenal experience
Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Government of India, while addressing the audience said, “This initiative will help promote our rich heritage and the artisans of Banaras, who have strived to take forward this legacy. We want to put the focus back on the weavers, promote this sustainable art and bring it back to mainstream fashion. We are delighted to receive such an overwhelming response for the Weaves of Banaras.”
FDCI, a non-profit organisation, is the apex body of fashion design in India, represented by over 350 members, founded on the premise of promoting, nurturing and representing the best of fashion and design talent in the country.
