Bhubaneswar Designer To Showcase Odisha Handloom At India Fashion Week In London

Bhubaneswar: Known for her handloom creations, Bhubaneswar-based designer Reemly Mohanty will showcase Odisha’s traditional weaves at India Fashion Week in London on November 16.

She is the only designer from Odisha, who has been invited to the coveted event.

This year, the focus of the event is on sustainability. In line with the theme, Reemly will be showcasing her contemporary works, which blend Odisha handloom and weaves with modern silhouettes. “Many renowned Indian designers will be showcasing their works at the event. I was invited to participate because of my works on sustainable fashion and handloom,” Reemly told Odisha Bytes, adding that she will be taking Odisha’s art and cultural heritage to the global platform.

The collection that she will showcase at the event is inspired by the colour blue and is titled “NILA- A Azure Charm.” Explaining why she chose her theme to be in blue, Reemly said the colour holds a special significance in India culture.

“Blue is the colour of the sky. Blue is the colour of the ocean. Blue is the colour of Lord Vishnu. Shiva in his blue form is a representation of the infinite, the eternal, and the unchanging reality amidst the ever-changing cosmos. It is thus a representation of the sky and the sea, symbolizing Shiva’s (Hindu Diety) omnipresence and omnipotence. As Lord Shiva drank the poison from Samudra Manthan (the churning of ocean) to save the universe, his throat turned blue and he is known as the Nilakantha (Blue throat),” she said.

Reemly has also incorporated Pattachitra in her designs. Besides, fish and tribal motifs are also key features of her designs. Keeping the beauty of traditional weaves intact, she has also incorporated modern elements and cuts into her creations. Be it lehengas, suits or ready-to-wear sarees, her blending of tradition and modernity is represented in all the items she designed. Her collection is also inspired by Ikkat and Zardosi works.

Last year, the event held runway shows choreographed by Lokesh Sharma, Urvashi Kaur, Pkin, Noureen Dhanani, Khinkhwab, among others.