Pochampally ikats, Ponduru khadi and weaves from Mangalagiri, Venkatagiri, Gadwal and Narayanpet have an immediate recall value at the mention of textiles and handlooms from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. But there is a lot more that remains away from the spotlight — silks from Armoor and Ramappa or ikats from Siddipet for instance. Hyderabad-based textile and fashion designer Shravan Kummar will be exhibiting these and other handlooms from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh at NATA (North American Telugu Association) Convention in Dallas, from June 30 to July 2, and TANA (Telugu Association of North America) Conference, Philadelphia, July 7 to 9. “I will be taking approximately 175 pieces of handlooms from the Telugu States with me. We plan to involve the next generation, aged 18 to 25, to showcase our handlooms so that we encourage more young people to incorporate Indian handlooms into their wardrobes,” he says.
At a recent preview held at Hotel Abode adjacent to his studio in Lakdikapul, Hyderabad, on display were some of his recent creations made in association with weavers from different pockets of the Telugu-speaking States. Alongside Pochampally ikats, silks and cottons from Gadwal, Narayanpet, Mangalagiri and Venkatagiri, he showcased khadi from Metpally, silks from Ramappa, ikat saris in linen, saris with Gollabhama motifs and more. Saris, lehengas, jackets, trousers, wrap pants and jackets constitute the new line. There is something to appeal to both Indian and global aesthetics.
