Apparel November 2019 Apparel November 2019 issue | Page 76

FABRIC SPEAK
REVIVAL NOTES
Muslin, as a fabric, is increasingly being used
in designer collections today. Aditya Jain, Chief
Executive Officer (CEO), YAJY by Aditya Jain,
says, “Muslin is an innovative tool for artisans
since it is used in combination with other raw
fabrics for manufacturing an outfit, hence making
a unique statement. Garments such as kurtas,
dupattas, and saris are, today, preferably made
of muslin or have the fabric incorporated in them.
Muslin can be upcycled and restructured, which
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also makes it a flexible choice.” The problem,
however, is that the plants, which were the source
of muslin fibre, are getting scarcer by the day.
Saiful Islam says, “As it is difficult to recreate the
plant’s DNA, reviving the fabric is difficult.” Muslin
can be woven with many techniques, one of
which is jamdani. In order to restore the trust and
confidence in weavers, we chose to work with
jamdani, whose motifs are extremely intricate and
difficult to master; this pushes them to innovate.
Having a sound sense of past techniques is a
good way to make new designs; and a strong
foundation always helps you move to forward.
Similarly, altering designs with a specific purpose
is always welcome.”
“The activity of weaving muslin has lately been
on the decline but at the same time, there have
also been pockets of resurgence. Nevertheless,
it needs to be supported at the policy-level,
and taxes levied on yarn need to pulled back.
The fabric has to be given its right value, and
if weavers operate at a level of artistry rather
than compete with mill-made products, they will
benefit largely,” he adds.
THE FABRIC HAS TO BE GIVEN ITS
RIGHT VALUE, AND IF WEAVERS
OPERATE AT A LEVEL OF ARTISTRY
RATHER THAN COMPETE WITH
MILL-MADE PRODUCTS, THEY WILL
BENEFIT LARGELY.”
November 2019