NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, AUG 4
With an avowed aim to help the handloom and handcraft artisans of Gujarat hit hard during the COVID-induced economic impasse, the Ahmedabad Chapter of FICCI Flo is organising a fashion show and textile enclave on Friday and Saturday, August 5 and 6, respectively, in Ahmedabad, say the organisers.
Throwing light on these events, FICCI Flo National chief Ujjwala Singhania said, “We want Gujarat to be known as the “Fashion Capital of the World”. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase the artistic marvels of Gujarat to the world. Under this initiative, we will make the world aware of its rare kind of handlooms and presence through social media and introduce them to the world.”
“’Flo Fashion Show – The Weaves of Gujarat’ is meant for all the weavers, designers, textile manufacturers, and exporters and will be held on Friday, on August 5. The event aims to highlight our weaves to meet global needs and fashion. Its main objective is to provide handlooms weaves a good market exposure and restyle it to meet international standards and also connect it with 20,000+ clothing businesses and 700+ fashion brands. It is a national initiative under the astute leadership of our national chief Ujjwala Singhania,” said Nandita Munshaw, chief, Ahmedabad Chapter of FICCI Flo
Talking to the media, head of Ahmedabad Chapter of FICCI Flo textile head, Shilpa Patel, said, “Gujarat is the land of vibrant handicrafts and handlooms. The sheer beauty of what the land has produced is overwhelming. However, due to poor connectivity and exposure, the weavers cannot reach out to customers and handicraft enthusiasts. A solid platform is needed where they can reach their target audience and enhance the scope of business. Also, lesser known weaves which have been identified, like Sujli, Kasota, Tangalia, Mashru, Ashavali and Khadi, to add to the plethora of handlooms of Gujarat. In the fashion show our beautiful saris will be displayed with innovative draping styles. There is also special section to exhibit the works of artisans with an aspiration to convert them into sales at the venue.”
To a query on whether any renowned models have been invited for the fashion show, Patel replied that FICCI Flo members are our best models who will showcase locally made global designs. To execute the fashion ideas, we have caught young minds with creative ideas from five renowned fashion design institutes across Vadodara-2, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Surat one who will reveal their latent talents by fusioning Gujarat and global designs.”.
The textile and handcraft conclave will be held on Saturday, August 6, which will evaluate the strategies needed to preserve and re-invigorate the crafts of Gujarat. The two-day events will be attended by designers, stalwarts of the trade, speakers belonging to the industry and Government dignitaries at Jade Ahmedabad.
The knowledge report will be presented to the state government, proposing policy changes to uplift the spirit of Gujarat’s weavers and our dying crafts, Patel added.
