Debutant designer Sanjay Garg of the Raw Mango brand will open the spring-summer edition of Amazon India Fashion Week (AIFW) 2016 starting October 7 to bridge the gap between textile and fashion and at the same time blur the categories of traditional and modern, old and new, past and present. .

The garments present technical advancements in Mashru [a type of weave] that make the old textile contemporary, while retaining the luxuriousness that has always been an important part of it, Garg said.

Mubarikpur-born Garg, enrolled to study at the IICD (Indian Institute of Crafts and Design), Jaipur then went on to hone his skills at NIFT (Delhi), only to launch his label, which retailed saris, stoles and fabrics hoping to offer pure handlooms.

The designer with a penchant for humble motifs is known for his loom-stage innovations on fabrics, mostly Chanderi.

Garg said that it's a matter of great honour to open the Amazon India Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2016. This opportunity is a testament of FDCI's effort to bring Indian textile at the forefront of the fashion industry and truly celebrates the 'Make in India' initiative. He is excited about showcasing his skills.

Even Sunil Sethi, president of the organising body Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), is pleased to have a craft lover open the fashion gala.

Sunil Sethi said that they are excited to have Sanjay Garg open the AIFW SS16, as he is a craft-lover. He has worked as a purist, never deviating from the 'I love India' theme. He will set the right tone for the fashion week, which celebrates the myriad crafts of the country.

The five-day festival will take place at the NSIC Grounds, Okhla which will conclude on October 11.