Caught in Cotton

The natural fabric being the focal point of the show,Asma and Nachiket,two of the most innovative designers of India detailed the benefits of using cotton and about how modern technology had helped develop varied textures and finish.

Followed by a ramp show,supermodels Krishna Somani and Amarpreet Wahi displayed how cotton was cool and haute.

As cool styles warmed up on the ramp,the designers too had a little bit of explanation to do about their creations. Asma claimed she was a cotton loyalist and described it as a fabric of all season. “It can blend easily with other fabrics leading to versatility,” says the designer credited with reviving traditional crafts of Awadh.

Asserting cotton is the most suitable fabric for Indian weather and can be used for both casuals and formals,Asma presented her collection titled ‘Lady Victoria’— outfits developed on Victorian motifs of the 19th century embellished with Chikankari. The first outfit was a soft pink sundress with multi-coloured chikan embroidery and next in line was a two-piece evening gown.

“Embroidered with gothic motif with silhouette from the 16th century,this gown can also be used as a bridal lehenga,” says Asma,dispelling the myth that cotton doesn’t make evening wear.

Nachiket Bharve who presented his model in a pleated cotton chanderi dress with an impressionist painted lining and in pleated cotton malmal (muslin) dress with colour accents reiterated that cotton was the fabric for people who care for their environment. “You can feel and look good in cotton,” adds the designer,himself clad in a cotton shirt. “I derive inspiration from Indian styles and try to interpret them for the global audience,” says Nachiket.

Sachit Bhatia,Representative for Cotton Council International,the export promotion arm of the National Cotton Council of America,explained that CCI’s campaign was to “re-acquaint” people with cotton and show them how “cotton was not only comfortable and stylish,but also a multi-purpose fabric.”

Admitting that fashion shows with models walking on the ramp create awareness only among a niche segment of the population,Bhatia hoped the trend would trickle down to the mass in due course of time. The event was part of the ‘Cool with Cotton’ event being presented in different cities to create awareness about cotton and check the growing market share of the man-made fibre.

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