Arvind Fashion's True Blue to promote Indian handlooms

In accordance to the MoU, True Blue will source handloom products directly from local artisans and weavers, with support from the government. The collection crafted using these products will be retailed as True Blue Handcrafted. These will be specialised products which cannot be replicated by the power looms. The True Blue Handcrafted merchandise will be available across all True Blue stores starting March 2019.

True Blue Handcrafted collection will be developed by True Blue designers working closely with artisans practicing traditional Indian crafts across the country. This will bring contemporary renditions of traditional Indian crafts into a modern line of garments that the youth of today will desire. True Blue Handcrafted will be available widely through the brand’s extensive distribution network and will open new markets and avenues for Indian craftsmen by imparting a new aspirational value to traditional Indian craft. The effort is expected to protect and revive several Indian crafts from across the country, including those from far flung areas, give them a modern contemporary meaning and make them relevant for the current and future generations. At the same time, the artisan will benefit economically by elimination of middlemen.

"Authentic handloom products have a special place in the heart of many Indian and global consumers who wear it with pride. Our partnership with True Blue will allow weavers across India to satiate this demand and make their creations available to the masses. We are happy to share that True Blue will help the weaver’s community earn the much-deserved recognition and economic value for their offerings through a direct procurement channel. The ministry of textiles will do its due diligence with the weavers in quality management of the fabrics and adherence to SOPs," Union minister for textiles Smriti Irani said.

Recognising the contribution of artisans and their unique crafts to the economy and India’s cultural heritage, the initiative seeks to empower artisans working in remote areas of the country, by ensuring they get fair value for their produce, generate livelihood opportunities and income for themselves.

"It’s an honour to partner the ministry of textiles in this initiative to reinterpret the rich heritage of Indian craftsmanship and showcase it to the world. This would also uplift the lives of handloom weavers. As a brand, True Blue represents the truest modern Indian who is rooted in Indian values. It is only appropriate that we take the most intricate of Indian craftsmanship under our fold and make them available to the entire market. I am looking forward to wear the pride of Indian artisans and craftsmanship on my sleeve," Tendulkar said.

Arvind Fashions will identify and empanel quality artisans, liaise with them for samples and production, perform quality checks and manage post-production availability of the retail merchandise at outlets. In parallel, the ministry will ascertain protocols, standards and processes to be adhered by the weavers to ensure timely delivery.

"There are over 43 lakh handloom weavers in India and more than 23 lakh handlooms. The Ministry of Textiles is taking efforts for skilling weavers, providing design inputs, best in class raw materials and tools amongst other things. This empowers them so they continue to remain engaged in this craft. We at Arvind believe that our retail strength and understanding of consumer behavior can make a difference in bringing wide recognition and value to these gifted artisans and craftsmen. True Blue will continue to take all forms of Indian-ness to the world," Kulin Lalbhai, executive director – Arvind Limited, said.

The collaboration will enable True Blue to partner with the adept weaver clusters of Kanchivaram from Tamil Nadu, Baluchari and Jamdani from West Bengal, Paithani from Maharashtra, Chanderi and Maheswari from Madhya Pradesh, Muga from Assam, Patola from Gujarat, Kani from Kashmir, Tie & Dye Vichitrapuri and Bomkai from Orissa, Brocades from Varanasi, Balrampuram from Kerala, Pochampally from Andhra Pradesh, etc. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India