Lambadas on global fashion stage

The coming week would be critical for two city-based fashion designers as they would be stamping a mark in international fashion. While Shilpa Reddy will showcase her collection at the J Spring Fashion Show in New York on Thursday, Shravan Ramaswamy will unveil his collection at the Vancouver Fashion Week which would be held throughout the week.The collection titled ‘A Tribute to the Tribes of India’, Shravan is paying his tribute to Telangana and Karnataka’s Lambada tribe.

“I am inspired by the embroidery in India which includes dozens of styles that vary across regions. Using the indigenous art and craft forms of the gypsy tribes of Kutch, Lambadas of Telengana and Karnataka, the collection is a mix of appliqué, thread embroidery with mirrors and beadwork. Bright red, yellow, black and coloured cloth is laid in bands and joined with a white crisscross stitch.

They have their own style of embroidery where designs are created according to the weave of the cloth and the textured effect is achieved by varying colours and stitches of the geometric patterns and designs. Motifs are generally highlighted by cross-stitch,” explained Shravan.“This collection is a reflection of the elegance of modern bohemian sensibilities in India.

Sensuous bright and vibrant hues with blends of organic fabrics, delicate fusion of silk and satin, hand spun cottons, and woven handlooms gives the age old Indian craft a niche look. The collection captures the essence of gypsie fashion yet does not escape the sophistication. The neat patterning and rhythmic outlines only serve to highlight Shravan’s superb control over design,” he added.

Quizzed about what inspired him to come up with this collection, Shravan says, “My goal is to create inspiring works of art that serve as a record of the culture itself. Handmade craft is a rarity and so are the artistes and the artisan. There is nothing like working with the artist, his work and his vision. Each product embodies not only the trails and celebrations of the craftsman but a moment of in their life.

As weaving and embroidery is passed down through generations, each weaver and embroider is linked by their ability to maintain tradition while adapting to changing times. When I say something is made by hand, the care, the attention, the detail is what you get. The passion of trying to make the best design in the world is very important to me.”