Lakme Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010
	Arati Monappa The casual interaction between the designer Arati Monappa and different groups of crafts people who needed design direction and marketing help has evoked the designer to come out with a label in 1995. It started on an informal basis, but when the cooperative effort between designer & craftsperson yielded results that were accepted by design stores, Arati decided that it would suit her purpose as it invests a part of its profits in basic infrastructure for the craft-in the case of hand block printers, printing tables are provided free of cost, which belong to them and they can use for their work. With deliberate effort to cut costs and help the unit to be viable, the label is low on profile; whereas all the fabric used is handwoven and dyed/printed with natural colours or accessorised using ethnic craft techniques. The label brings out a line of apparel-tunics, pants, jackets, kameez, chudidar, salwars, scarves and dupattas, while the Arati saree line is special as every saree is one of its kind, with only 50 sarees made for a collection, hand block printed or embroidered. In 1996, Arati ventured into a home furnishing line, using the same natural fabrics & craft techniques, which was also exported. Arati Monappa was interestingly innovative and her collection was for the caring traditionalist. The design collection, which earlier retailed from design stores in India & abroad, is now available only at exhibitions or for specific client needs. The design collection whether in clothing, saris or home furnishing is always in a natural fabric, the accent is on simple silhouettes with attention focused on weave, colour & print. The designer has a constant endeavor to work with newer fabrics & develop a larger palette of natural shades.
Home Newsroom Designers Fashion Gallery

© 2007 India Fashion Week • Some rights reserved.