Delhi based fashion designer Rinku Sobti on the Indian Textile Day on 27th August at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive to showcase her collection, 'Tassels', redefines the loom tradition of Varanasi. The brand 'Loom 1905' is a thought inspired by the Swadeshi movement. Just like the concept of this revolutionary movement, the brand too advocates the preservation of the sumptuous handloom fabrics created in India. It aspires to motivate the youth of today to take this tradition forward and to embrace the beauty of this authentic art.

Rinku draws inspiration from the rich Indian handloom culture that prevails and the intricate works of the weavers in the Bajardiya cluster to shape her collection 'Tassels'. Tassels represent "a tuft of loosely hanging threads or cords knotted at one end and attached for decoration of fashion accessories, soft furnishings or clothing. These luscious strands of threads are majorly used to accessorize things that are rich, lavish and extravagant which is ironic to the plight of the impoverished weavers whose art and skill continues to claim the appreciation it deserves.

The distinction between the contemporary and traditional Varanasi sprouted into two varying styles - The Subtle and The Grand. And Rinku has interwoven both the styles effortlessly in her collection. The subtle is projected through avant-gardist cuts and checks while the grand shines through in the detailing of the traditional crafts with striking jewels that compliment the vivid color palette of the fabrics. The pret includes chic garments with check designs and the grand comprises ornate fabrics with richly woven patterns. The novel silk net weaves that are a heritage and forte of the Bajardiya weavers brilliantly feature in the check patterns of the pret designs.

An array of contemporary designs that can be worn on a daily basis is carefully created by the designer. All of the designs feature clean cuts and strong lines

The collection is made of fine silks, hand woven by the best craftsmen in the country that makes each design enriched with tradition and history. Rinku’s collection is a true tribute to the textile heritage of this country and an ode to the handloom tradition and skilled weavers of India.

According to the designer, the hard work put in to creating this collection has totally been worth it. She has seen the metamorphosis of the threads turning into fabric and the ultimate outfit. It is her first time at Lakme which makes her even more ecstatic.