Warli, Kolhapuri and Paithani designs to get a quirky edge

Tantalising silhouttes of regal Paithani sarees, popularity of Kolhapuri chappals and fluid grace of warli designs have always charmed the fashionistas, but till recently not many endeavours were made to document and record the history of these magnificent crafts of Maharashtra. This indifference led to many old designs being lost and artisans living in a state of abysmal poverty. But now, a serious endeavour is being made by the authorities to change the scenario for better.
Revival of the ancient crafts
South Central Zone Cultural Centre has taken the initiative to give a new lease of life to these dying traditions of the state.“The idea is to revive them from the scratch. When we started working on the project a few months back, we were shocked and appalled to learn that there is no recorded detailed history of these art forms, which have been a source of livelihood to lakhs of artisans’ families in Maharashtra. So, we started the process of documentation of these designs in the right earnest. The work was assigned to the fashion designing students of Maharashtra and it is almost complete now. A film has also been made to keep these traditions alive for posterity. Right from durri art to Paithani to warli and Kolhapuri, we have focussed on tracing the history, changing patterns and styles with the finest detailing,” reveals the director of SCZCC, Dr Piush Kumar and adds: “This is the only way to save these art forms.”
Style sells
For any art form to be relevant today, it has to connect with the youth, says Dr Kumar and adds, “We have got well-known designer Neeta Lulla on board who will guide the students of a government-run fashion institute to create designs that have an international appeal. And they have already done a superb job.” Recently CM Devendra Fadnavis’ wife Amruta, who had walked the ramp to promote these art forms as a part of this particular endeavour, had also gone on record to say: “The world will soon see warli skirts, Paithani jackets and Kolhapuri footwear in a global avatar, that appeals to a trendy man or a woman anywhere in the world.”
Towards self-reliance
According to Dr Kumar, this effort has a long-term focus. “On one hand, it will present the most beautiful artistic aspects of our state to the fashion world, and on the other hand, it will help uplift the lot of the artisans, who are living in stark misery. It will also help all those youngsters who want to make a living out of designing artefacts and apparels using these techniques.”