A model wearing a Kunal Kaushik creation

Guwahati, March 7: Hitherto considered a sartorial embellishment of the elderly, the Assamese eri is assuming a new identity in the hands of a young fashion designer from the state.

A few days ago, fashionistas in New Delhi?s socialite circles gaped at the exotic designs created by designer Kunal Kaushik for a show titled Renaissance of Fashion.

Kunal, who appropriately calls his collection Mystic Assam, was the only designer from the region to participate in the event. The show was organised by the New Delhi-based group Rudraksha and choreographed by Kaushik Ghosh.

One of the three segments of Kunal?s show was called ?magic of eri?, showcasing the potential of the indigenous fabric. ?It is time to give eri its due. It is not a fabric that should drape the shoulders of only elderly people. I want to create a global market for local fabrics,? the designer said.

Each of the three sequences in Kunal?s presentation celebrated the beauty and colour of traditional weaves. The fusion collection was international in style despite only hand-woven fabrics being used.

Prior to the show in New Delhi, Kunal had organised an innovative art-cum-design show titled ?Rape ? On the Moving Canvas?. He explained it as an attempt to convey a message through his craft. ?The incidence of rape is rising in the city. Instead of making a painting to be hung on the wall, I devised this concept to convey the trauma of a rape victim to the masses.?

An alumnus of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Baroda?s M.S. University, Kunal is now gearing up for his next show, to be held later this month. ?I dream of making Assam and her beautiful fabrics a household name. My label is basically a platform that celebrates the untapped beauty and potential of our state. I feel a sense of responsibility and the urgent need to contribute towards the development, growth and promotion of our local fabrics,? he said.