In an effort to promote sustainable fashion in India, The Woolmark Company and couturier Manish Malhotra unveiled a capsule collection using the natural fibre Merino wool launched at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2018, the ‘Inaya’ collection is Manish Malhotra’s first Merino wool line which presents this fibre in a way like never before. The newly unveiled signature collection will be available to the designer’s high-end clientele at Manish Malhotra stores in India, Dubai, Europe, UK.
Capturing the essence of the ongoing sustainable fashion dialogue, ‘Inaya’ presents wool sarees for women and bandhgalas and sherwanis for men, throwing the spotlight on Merino wool as a natural, biodegradable and renewable fibre. Inspired by the elaborate and traditional art, motifs and the old-world charm of Kashmir, the collection – made with 80 percent Merino wool -brought together the artisans and culture of Kashmir. Classic and bold jewel tone colors including black, maroon and emerald green along with intricate tilla and zari embroidery were used to pay an ode to the timeless beauty of the state.
The event opened with a special screening of ‘Slowing down of fast fashion’ – an insightful documentary by Alex James, followed by an interactive panel discussion aimed at capturing the pulse of this relevant global topic. The panel discussion, moderated by Priyanka Khanna, saw authorities in fashion NonitaKalra, Che Kurrien, designer Ruchika Sachdeva and COO of Campaign for Wool and IWTO President Mr. Peter Ackroyd, participate in active debates on the environmental cost of the industry, consumption of fast fashion and their use after they are out of fashion.The session concluded with a special fashion showcase by designer Manish Malhotra with a live installation displaying the Merino wool-inspired collection.
Designer Manish Malhotra added, “I’m delighted to be associated with The Woolmark Company yet again for a capsule collection using Merino wool. Wool as a fabric is under-utilized yet has a brimming potential to work with. My collection INAYA means care and concern in Kashmir inspired by valley’s timeless beauty, culture, and tradition of Kashmir. The pieces are crafted in intricate Kashmiri embroidery and is my attempt to bring together the exceptional craftsmanship of Merino wool. The idea behind the showcase is my belief that sustainable fashion is the way forward and therefore it’s my attempt to boost sustainability and bring limelight to sustainable fashion in India as Merino wool is an excellent direction to go ahead with. The collection that is called ‘Inaya’ stands true to my way of paying tribute to Kashmiri craft and concern for the sustainable fashion, it will comprise of Merino wool saris for women and Merino wool bandhgalas and sherwanis for men in pastel hues such as ivory, yellow and blue.”
The Woolmark Company Managing Director, Stuart McCullough said, “We take pride in highlighting Australian wool’s position as the ultimate natural fibre grown year-round. Our collaborations and projects in India are aimed at unfolding the natural and renewable story behind Merino wool to newer audiences. Our co-created collection with legendary designer Manish Malhotra – Inaya – truly represents this philosophy and highlights Merino wool and Indian craftsmanship seamlessly, pushing many boundaries.As we progress into an age with increasing consumer awareness, we’re confident that Merino wool’s natural proposition will hold strong and truer than ever.”
About The Woolmark Company:
The Woolmark Company is the global authority on wool. Through our extensive network of relationships spanning the international textile and fashion industries, we highlight Australian wool’s position as the ultimate natural fibre and premier ingredient in luxury apparel.
The Woolmark logo is one of the world’s most recognized and respected brands, providing assurance of the highest quality, and representing pioneering excellence and innovation from the farm through to finished product.
The Woolmark Company is a subsidiary of Australian Wool Innovation, a not-for-profit enterprise that conducts research, development and marketing along the worldwide supply chain for Australian wool on behalf of about 60,000 woolgrowers that help fund the company.
www.woolmark.com