Raymond, in association with The Woolmark Company, for the first time showcased the exclusive range of its “Khadi Wool” earlier this week at the Australian High Commission in Delhi. This first-of-its-kind collection, an exquisite range of pure wool and wool blended fabric from Raymond, offers some of the most intricate designs catering to the sartorial taste of discerning consumers.
Khadi is a symbol of Indian textile heritage, but this time it will astonish you with its Western styles. The event was a stellar success and showcased the startling new collection of designs crafted from the latest Khadi Wool couture. The Khadi Wool Collection will be available in tailored suits for both men and women. Jackets and saris in vibrant colours and floral prints, slit dresses, shirts and A-line dresses, a range of kurtas, kurta-pyjamas, ethnic bandhgala jackets, sherwanis and dhotis were all part of this grand collection launch.
The wide range of suits with different patterns and styles showcased during the show did manage to change our mindset about khadi being best suited for kurtas and ethnic wear. This new collection allured the audiences with the power and high fashion quotient of khadi fabrics. The launch coincided with the ongoing festive season, with the wedding season also around the corner, khadi-styled Western wear might soon flood the markets.
This collection was created meticulously by Raymond’s designing team. Endeavouring to redefine the notions associated with khadi, the collection will be available at select Raymond outlets across India.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Gautam Hari Singhania, chairman and managing director, Raymond, said, “Having partnered with KVIC, we at Raymond endeavour to take Khadi—a true Indian fabric—from the villages of India to international fashion ramps. Our association with KVIC is expected to generate three million additional man-hours of employment for khadi artisans annually on a sustained basis, an initiative that will empower artisans in rural India. Taking this initiative ahead, we are now partnering with The Woolmark Company of Australia to create a pioneering Khadi Wool blended product line, to enhance the appeal of the fabric that is innate to the legacy of India.”
Raymond is currently working with over 20 different artisan clusters in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and J&K, to develop designs in pure merino wool and blended wool collections. As a part of the design intervention in more than 100 Khadi clusters, Raymond also provides technical expertise to artisans to enhance the product quality.
The Woolmark Company Country Manager India, Arti Gudal, talked about the collaboration between Raymond and The Woolmark. Gudal said, “We aim to strengthen Merino Wool’s position as a luxurious and versatile fibre in the market. Our collaboration with Raymond arises from the mutual belief we share in constant fabric innovation. The Khadi Wool collection developed with Raymond demonstrates cutting-edge innovation, comfort and is also a part of our “Grown in Australia, Made in India” effort to successfully explore Merino Wool’s infinite potential in India. As an eco-friendly fibre with biodegradable properties, Merino Wool is the perfect addition to make this a modernised product and we’re proud to be pioneering its phase of innovation in India.”
The Acting Australian High Commissioner to India, Chris Elstoft, was pleased to host the launch and shared his views on the same. He elaborated, “Through economic and fashion diplomacy we promote Australia’s fashion industry globally, including our raw materials like Australian Merino Wool. Fashion connects our countries and cultures and it also creates jobs in both countries. Our ambition is to ‘Grow in Australia’ and ‘Make in India’ and then export to the world. This shows how mutual benefits can come through the collaboration between our two countries.”