Contemporary Handloom Fabrics

Contemporary Handloom

Handloom fabrics of Odisha has undergone significant changes for meeting the taste and needs of the consumers.
The producer weavers have diversified from their age-old traditional products and designs by –

These vary widely.
These changes have no doubt compromised with the sanctity of the traditional designs to a considerable extent
But it has widened the product profile and market for this traditional product.

Fashion is the most general term and applies to any way of dressing, behaving, writing, or performing that is favored at any one time or place.
Fashion plays an important role in the textile industry in providing a new product to the consumers.
Fashion in common sense relates to some product which is “innovative”, new and different from the common stuff available in the contemporary period.
Prime Minister Modi at the beginning of his innings in 2014, had called upon to “Promote Handloom and handicraft with fashion” for giving a new direction to the Indian craft sector.
Acting on this, institutes of fashion studies like the National Institute of Fashion (NIFT) had reoriented their curriculum for encouraging greater interaction between the traditional craftsmen and the faculty and students of fashion studies.
Specific emphasis was laid on induction of new technology into the craft sector for designing, quality and product diversification as well as for encouraging Startups for taking up production for the new generation.

Students and practitioners of fashion have taken interest and delve in to the great Indian handloom with passion
They have been exploring the design and techniques of handloom
Innovative ideas blended with the skill and knowledge of the handloom weavers have led to creation of new and innovative products
Based on understanding of the and On Face book A Nabakothi with an the unique Nuapatna Triple border. With delicately woven motifs on a resplendent bed of silk this saree is a combination of everything beautiful!
Analysis of traditional design and close interaction with the highly skilled weavers have swept across all possibilities covering motifs, color, layouts,
The “Naba kothi” design for example has been modified with the new colour combinations.
- For example, the base colour changed to snuff green with black and white borders.
- Contemporary colours are balanced with the traditional elements like the traditional Nuapatna pallu.
- In case of the border, instead of the usual flower and animal ikat border a dual rudraksh border with small temple border have been evolved to have a more delicate, detailed and grand look.

“Duhieta”, a start up raised by young woman entrepreneur, has been making innovative experiments with handloom of Odisha.
The young designer draw their inspiration from the age-old culture and tradition of Odisha and come out with a new product with their imagination for meeting the taste of the ladies looking for new things.
Shakti, meaning power, is drawn from the women power “Goddess mother Durga” who is worshipped in the tendays long ritual in the eastern India.
The motifs used are “Swastik” symbolizing surya (‘Sun’), prosperity and good luck, in Hinduism and the “Sheuli” sweet smelling fragrant flower, with white petals with pink stem typical to the arrival of autumn season, when the festival is observed.
Through this creation the designer seek to appeal the women as means of women empowerment and victory of the good ( Durga Mata) over the evil ( Demon Mahisasur)

“Duhieta”, a start up raised by young woman entrepreneur, has been making innovative experiments with handloom of Odisha.
The young designer draw their inspiration from the age-old culture and tradition of Odisha and come out with a new product with their imagination for meeting the taste of the ladies looking for new things.
“Kuhu” refer to the “koel” bird of spring known for its melodious voice.
The design is drawn from nature
It is wrapped up with emotion as a symbol of love
It seeks to assure the women of their inherent strength and Spread the message about the significant role, women play in the society as a mother, friend, wife and daughter.
Through this creation the designer seek to appeal the women as source of love and companion.

The journey of reinventing handloom for making a new product is both interesting and fascinating.
It provides an ocean of opportunity to come out with a wide range of fabrics which have no parallel.
It represents the niche product for the new generations based on the wisdom of the past.
It offers a rare opportunity to revive handloom, generate income for supporting the weavers and the entrepreneurs
It can play an important role in making the development inclusive and sustainable