Gathering
his creative energies as he basks in the secluded shores of Ashvem every two
months, Hyderabad-based, but Kerala-born designer, Shravan Kumar Ramaswamy is
elated to be showing in a state he calls his second home. Beige, off white and
black are the predominant colours he has pulled out of his handloom bag to give
Goa a unique collection of fusion outfits, titled, ‘Shivalaya’ or ‘Dance with
Shiva’. “I am influenced by various aspects of Goa which has the right element
of Indo-Western culture and right element of religion and practice. I see a lot
of people from different communities and the influences thereof. So yes, my Goa
collection is definitely going to bear the Konkan/western touch,” promises
Shravan Kumar, whose oeuvre of work is defined by ‘fusion style’;
‘God-in-the-detailing’ and ‘art-to-wear’.
Opening
his own design-studio at the tender age of 17, Shravan Kumar’s most defining
moment as a designer however came after he returned from his post-graduation
studies (UK) in 2003. “I discovered the richness of ethnic Indian fabrics. This
led me to study about Indian weaves and weavers. I discovered that from being
the second largest occupation it not only went down to the eight place, but is
now a dying art,” he explains. Instituting the programme ‘An Ode to Weaves
& Weavers’ in 2012, he helped to revive the industry. In his annual fashion
show by the same name, he showcases more than 100 different and rare weaves
from the remotest of locations in India. “My Kalamkari (AP) fusions with
Chikankari (UP) have been a great hit in India and abroad. I have also started
developing the jute fabric,” he reveals.
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The
formation of Aalayam Society, Hyderabad was another step in this direction. “The
society is dedicated to better the lives of weavers in India. Every sari
available at Aalayam store is organic and handmade by weavers of the
furthermost regions of India. Most of its profits are invested in the weaver’s
welfare,” he explains.
Wooing
audiences at major ramp shows in India and abroad, Shravan Kumar continues to
revive the richness of India’s weaving tradition.
