What would you have done without cotton! exclaims veteran fashion designer Rina Dhaka,Cotton is one of the most versatile fabrics known to mankind it is comfortable,it breathes. Dhakas fashion show,held in Delhi on Thursday,underlined a relevant attempt for the resurgence of cotton in India. Our country is the second-largest producer of cotton,yet the consumption of the fabric has fallen in the last decade. The Cotton Day seeks to reinfuse a cotton consciousness. Organised by the Cotton Council International (CCI),a string of events a photo exhibition and a cotton denim show by Arvind Mills upheld the diversity of cotton and the dire need to bring it back to our wardrobes. Cotton Day was conceptualised to surprise people at what is possible with cotton, says Agnieszka Fijol,CCI Representative and India Programme head. The scope of cotton is enormous,it shouldnt be limited to just skirts and shirts,one can use cotton in lightweight chiffons,lace and even heavier denims. The photography exhibition displayed the top 15 entries from a contest themed The Magic of Cotton. But it was only when the stunning actress,Zarine Khan,appeared to inaugurate the event that photographers went into their usual tizzy. The Arvind Mills New Spring Summer Collection featured rugged and outdoorsy garments stretch jeans,long jackets with frayed collars teamed with belts and shorts. It was young and fun. But it was Dhakas line that stole the show even as Adeles catchy Rolling in the Deep played on. Ranging from off-whites and cream dresses to mellow brown and green salwar kameezes,the show had Khan as the showstopper in a sizzling silver-and-black dress. The base of the dress was pure cotton with silver crocheted net. We strive to make our garments 100 per cent cotton and,more often than not,we succeed, says Dhaka,aware that cotton consciousness is hardly just a glamourous affair. It needs a series of links to be correct,both ethically and commercially.
