National Handloom Expo at Bhubaneswar, which is jointly organized by the government of India and the state-owned Boyanika, to promoting handloom products from different parts of the country, featured a fashion show organized by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and Boyanika.

The highlight of a fashion show at the ongoing National Handloom Exhibition here on Sunday was a fusion of high fashion with traditional handlooms. The fusion wear collection was a fine blend of the western and traditional style of Odisha. The ethnic wear collection showcased the state's cultural roots with the use of materials such as Ikat cotton, silk and tassar fabric. The designs showcase their creative genius and love for Indian heritage.

Students displayed designs of Odisha sarees, western wear, fusion wears and ethnic wears during the fashion show. The western-wear outfits are a smart mix of Odisha's handloom textiles, western designs with bold cuts and techniques. The designs have been in such a way that one can easily transform a garment from a day wear to an evening wear. Embroidered tops are teamed with smart silk jackets and tribal jewellery.

Odisha has enough potential in apparel and design industry. Linking traditional weavers to global fashion value chain may revolutionize the livelihood of weavers and artisans. This contest is a step ahead in that direction, said commissioner-cum-secretary of handlooms, textiles and handicrafts department, Usha Padhee.

The fashion show was part of a contest organized by the handlooms, textiles and handicrafts department in which students of fashion designing from 11 NIFT centres of the country took part. The best designs, which can impact the future of handloom industry, were selected by an expert panel, said K C S Ray, the director of NIFT-Bhubaneswar.

The fashion design aims to promote young talents of NIFT and also provide an avenue to explore design opportunities in the handloom sector, said Prem Kumar Gea, the director-general of NIFT.

The handloom exhibition that started on January 18, will continue till February 10.