Shrouded in myths and folklore the mystery of theIndian silk fabrics deepens with the magic of its craftsman. How much wouldPresident Obama get enchanted with this delicate wonder?
Silk, the much sought after fabric, and much considered asimportant in haute couture. Normally considered as a luxury trade, reputationfor silk has now reached its crest. Admired by thousands in spectaculargarment shows; on the catwalks of London, New York and Paris, novel productsfrom silk fabrics have boosted the image of this illustrious textile.
India is the largest importer of silk, and is the second biggest producer. India and China together produce 80% of the worlds raw silk. More than 90% of the silk made in India is multivoltine in nature, while EU and US markets have a demand for bivoltine silk. (Multivoltinesilk is yellowish in color, and can be obtained throughout the year. Bivoltinesilk is white in color, very delicate, and is considered as the best qualitysilk.) The strength of the Indian silk industry lies in its wide base andsustaining market especially from the weaving sector, adequately supported bythe sericulture projects, research, and training capabilities.
US is the biggest importer of silk and silk products such asinterior decoration fabrics, accessories, and garments. US consumers do not have a long history of using silk, unlike China or India. But, in the span oftime, the country has become a major importer of Chinese silk knitted apparels.Easy care being a prime consideration in a country like US, silk fabrics withsuch properties are now competing in the market with other fibres. Imports ofsilk bed linen into US have almost doubled in the past two yeas. India holds 40% share in the US market for bed linens.
The transparency of the Indian silk fabrics makes it moredelicate, enabling the designer to get a structured look along with atransparent effect. The fluid and flowing nature of the fabric enables asculpting to the garment, making it to look appealing.
As a proof of the Indian craftsmanship, two silk gifts areplanned for the US President Barak Obama on his forthcoming visit to India later this year. A silk farmer has woven a scarf of 1 sq mt which weighing just 30grams and by using the fibre from two cocoons. He is now in the process ofweaving a silk sari measuring 6 metres in length, and 44 inches width. The sariis planned to be woven by using only 3-4 cocoons, and weighing approximately 70grams. The sari is so lightweight, that it sill fit into a match box. Bothfabrics are believed to be the lightest fabric of the world, and would beconsidered for the Guinness book of world records.
These gifts are expected to create a positive and powerfulimage about the Indian silk products in the US fashion diligence. During 2009-10silk exports from India to the US accounted to ` 417 crores, comprising a 14.5% of the total silk exports. It wasa decline of 29% compared with the previous years figures. Despite thisdecline, US still remains a top importer of silk products from India.
Gliding gracefully with poise and flair, Indian silk fabricsare homing in from the ancient traditions into the fashion promenades and arclights. Along with the glory of the fabrics, the craftsmen whose forte is silkweaving will also come under the spotlight. The traditional Indian craft and craftsmanshiphave all the possibilities of getting a global recognition.
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