Handloom clusters get attention

 17 December 2022, Mumbai

Some 600 handloom clusters in India have been given financial assistance. This includes upgraded looms and accessories, lighting units, worksheds, design and product development, marketing support etc.

From international runways to museums to celebrity weddings, it is handloom all the way. Handloom is 70 per cent of finished garments in the apparel industry. While handloom purchase has gone up more than 100 per cent in the last decade it is developing itself in terms of product innovation. Handloom has taken over bling and people prefer handloom outfits even for their own weddings.

Several Indian states promote their traditional and indigenous textiles on national and international platforms. West Bengal, Manipur, Assam, Telengana and Madhya Pradesh are concentrating on developing state-owned brands. These initiatives to rebrand state handloom with design intervention from fashion designers and monetary support from the government is reviving fabrics like Pochompally, Baluchari, Narayanpet, Kutch Kala Cotton and Muga.

Fashion designer Gaurang Shah’s entire collection is handloom. His paithani silk lehengas are a classic example of pure handloom bridal outfits. Designer Sanjay Garg has dressed celebrities like Sonam Kapoor and Soha Ali Khan. His handloom pieces have grabbed the attention of fashionistas across the world. For Garg handloom is sustainable fashion.

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