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Journalism of Courage
The spiritual havens of Indian ashrams and our deep-rooted ethos of prayer and meditation have always captivated westerners,but now Indias colourful history is inspiration for international designs as well. Recently,couturier Graeme Black used sketches of Indian temples as a backdrop for his collection at the London Fashion Week.
Similarly,Italian brand Canali launched what they call The Nawab Collection,a bandhgala inspired by Indian royalty,made from a mix of linen,silk and wool. Jimmy Choo was also fixated on Jaipur this season; two pairs of shoes from his spring-summer 09 collection are named Bombay and Night. Jimmy Choo has always had a strong connection with India. It has not only inspired parts of our collection with a special emphasis on jewels and craftsmanship,but we also have a lot of Indian customers, says Tamara Mellon,founder and president of Jimmy Choo. Black showed an Indian fantasy collection in London inspired by the drape,print and regality of the Indian turban. His collection also featured jodhpurs in fine fabrics and bright colours teamed with satin blouses and cropped jackets.
For designers like Roberto Cavalli and Hermes,the love affair with India is long past its infancy. Cavalli has spoken at length about a trip he made to Chennai to source leather as one of the most fabulous trips of my life. Hermes latest Indian offering are their Beloved India scarves in bold and contrasting colours with floral and geometric patterns and traditional motifs like the elephant. The scarves are in cashmere and embroidered silk embellished with sequins and glass beads. It was Wes Andersons film,Darjeeling Limited,crowded with images of the Himalayas and children walking in their school uniforms which inspired Paul Smiths fall-winter collection 09. The collection comprises jerseys,frock coats and knit wear with a lot of layering,intricate embroidery and detailing.
India has long held a deep fascination for the Germans, says Lutz Bethge,CEO of Mont Blanc that launched its limited-edition Mahatma Gandhi fountain pens and rollerblades this Gandhi Jayanti. It has the same potential as China,which was not even in our top 10 markets to begin with but is now our biggest. Also high on the eastern quotient is Shakiras new album She Wolf that resonates with Indian musical instruments. And close on Shakiras heels is Drew Barrymore whos planning her next documentary in India after her directorial debut Whip It.
Despite the economic meltdown,Indian appeal has moved ahead of exoticism and more into mainstream style.
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