KOTWARA by Meera & Muzaffar Ali, began in 1990, to revive the traditional craft of the region through sensitively understanding it ethos, upgrading its design content and creating a modern day relevance in its application. This has spearheaded a vast movement in the area.
Kotwara, established in 1007 A.D., is the oldest living civilization in District Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh which is geographically in the Tarai, bordering the Himalayan foothills. The label integrates traditional craft skills of weaving, embroidery in chikan, zardozi and kaamdani and stitching techniques of tukri and daraz. Delicacy and details have been the forte of Kotwara and it continues to evolve in the timeless milieu of Kotwara House, Qaiser Bagh in Lucknow and Anhalwara Palace, Kotwara Raj.
KOTWARA is the quintessence of the coming together of the East and the West, where classic traditions are expressed through romantic silhouettes. The zenith of Awadh culture in the mid nineteenth century, as depicted in Muzaffar Ali’ epic film Umrao Jaan, blends with the romance of the Raj of pre-independence…where modern idioms evolve on aesthetic sensibilities that have found their roots in contemporary global culture…
The Kotwara collections are based on innovations in a range of forms inspired by different craft techniques expressed in a variety of different ways and silhouettes. Zardozi and Chikankari has been an essential part of Kotwara’s Couture with some of the finest workmen working in Kotwara House, Qaiserbagh, Lucknow and Anhalwara Palace in Lakhimpur, Kheri.
We link the name of Kotwara to fashion in its broad sense, from fashioning lives of the craftspersons to the lifestyle of its user. Fashion, therefore is a dynamic design function which ensures evolution and sustainability. It is an ongoing, ever changing process.
Monday, September 14, 2009
India:Kotwara line from Meera & Muzaffar Ali in various silhouettes
