The humble patchwork returns as a ruling runway trend and a handy tool for sustainable fashion | Lifestyle News, The Indian Express

The humble patchwork returns as a ruling runway trend and a handy tool for sustainable fashion | Lifestyle News, The Indian Express

Written by Kimi Dangor |Updated: May 2, 2019 6:06:03 am

The humble patchwork returns as a ruling runway trend and a handy tool for sustainable fashion

Drawing reference from traditional quilting techniques like kantha and sujini and the globally-lauded Japanese boro textiles, which follow a similar method of mending and patching together, designers are giving the patchwork story a whole new narrative.

Yadvi Agarwal’s patchwork pieces

IN FEBRUARY, at the “Walking Hand in Hand” runway show in Ahmedabad, conceptualised by the Crafts Design Society Art Foundation, designer Paromita Banerjee sent out a patchwork yoke dress as the finale outfit of her collection. Dyed in shades of blue, the collection used naturally dyed indigo kala cotton, created in alliance with master weaver Vankar Shamji Vishram of Bhujodi, Kutch. For Kolkata-based Banerjee, it was the culmination of a fulfilling creative partnership and the patchwork dress, accessorised by a patchwork ‘potli’, was the embodiment of her brand’s continuing philosophy. Banerjee used every last inch of the fabric crafted by Vishram, employing leftovers into creating patchwork ensembles, as yokes, trims, potlis (drawstring bag) and buttons, an exercise she started in 2011, as part of her eponymous label’s endeavour to ingeniously upcycle.