
Independence Day dressing can celebrate India’s textile heritage without simply combining saffron, white and green, designers Gaurang Shah and Ishita Singh say. Shah points to khadi, jamdani, kota, Venkatagiri, Uppada, Banarasi, Paithani,…
Independence Day dressing can celebrate India’s textile heritage without simply combining saffron, white and green, designers Gaurang Shah and Ishita Singh say. Shah points to khadi, jamdani, kota, Venkatagiri, Uppada, Banarasi, Paithani, Kanjeevaram and Srikakulam textiles as expressions of regional identity and craftsmanship. He recommends handwoven sarees, kurtas, dhotis and angavastrams, with an emphasis on comfort and character.
Singh suggests pairing Indian textiles with contemporary silhouettes, including anarkalis, kurta sets, shararas and co-ords. Both designers argue that festive dressing can be understated while remaining rooted in Indian traditions. Their message is to look beyond flag colours and towards the looms, artisans and techniques woven into everyday clothing.
The lazy view is that patriotic fashion must either display the tricolour or avoid symbolism altogether. Both extremes miss the point. A handloom garment can reflect regional skill, but buying one does not automatically support its maker, especially when provenance and fair pricing are unclear. The useful test is simple: can shoppers identify the textile’s origin and see that artisans receive a fair share of its price?
Source: newindianexpress.com
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