Bhubaneswar, July 13: Popular designer from Odisha Sujit Meher will for the first time showcase his collection in his home state. At the upcoming Bhubaneswar Style Week, Meher will showcase his collection that will be a fusion of Odisha handloom and western attires.

Hailing from the Kalahandi district, the 2013 graduate of National Institute of Fashion Technology is popularising the art and culture of west Odisha by fusing them with western style.

He started his own fashion label Tilottama, which aimed at creating designs for social causes. Since then, he has come up with many designs aiming to preserve the handloom traditions of west Odisha.

The collection, both for men and women, includes fashion for various occasions.

"I have tried to put together all the major fabrics of the state including Sambalpuri ikkat, Mania bandha and Nuapatna ikkat along with Pipili art in the attires. This collection tells the richness of our tradition, culture and the essence of Odisha's art and culture. I have tried to blend handloom fabric with some different kind of rich cotton and silk to give a new trendy look," he said.

"My main aim is to present the traditional fabrics of our state in an appealing manner. I am sure my new designs will change the thinking and attitude of youngsters towards handloom," said the NIFT graduate.

"I belong to a family of weavers and I know the hardships they go through to keep the legacy of the traditional handlooms intact. It is our collective responsibility to help them," said the 26-year-old designer.

Every year during the festival of Nuakhai, he launches his collection at Bangalore. Last year, he made a fusion of Sambalpuri handloom and Arabian clothing.

At present, Meher is working on a furnishing line employing Sambalpuri and ikkat fabrics and designs. The collection will comprise cushion and sofa covers, bedcovers and curtains.

"People these days prefer exotic designs and styles and I want to show that such designs can also be created using the handloom materials as well. I am doing market research and I am hopeful that to come out with innovative motifs and prints," the young fashion designer said.