WWISFD Students Went To Hyderabad On A Study Tour

WWISFD Students were taken to Hyderabad on a study tour to show the art and culture of a state of India (Telangana), which also includes textile as an element. The knowledge and experience that they have gathered from this tour will act as design-inspiration for them in days to come. They got to visit weavers’ service centre, fashion designer Gaurang Shah’s studio, craft village – Shilparamam, to understand the nuances of various techniques used in the process of creating fibre-to-fabric.

Weavers Service Center, set up by the Central Government to uplift the handloom industry. At this center, our students were introduced to various weaving machines that are used to weave Jaquard, Dorby  and Double Jacquard. Here, they also learned the technique and process of Block Printing and Kalamkari, while also understanding the of process of making vegetable dyes

Main highlight of the tour was meeting and interacting with the award winning textile designer, Gaurang Shah who has created a revolution in India; he is trying to uplift the art of weaving and popularising Khadi. He works with 450 weavers across five states in India and they showcase their stunning designs all over the world; the recent event was the Berlin Fashion Week

Our students spent a day with Gaurang at his studio understanding the process of designing and getting acquainted to different kind of weaves in saris like, Jamdani Designs, Ikkat, Patola, which are woven in geometric patterns in bright  colors. Later, we took our students to the villages where weavers weave these saris. This helped them to understand the different processes involved in the making of fiber-to-fabric, which includes dyeing and weaving. 

Our students also Bidri Work – The art of Inlaying silver in a dark metal base . It is a 400 years old craft. There are 3 main forms Nashan (deeply cut work) , Zar Nashan (raised work) , Tarkashi (wire inlay work). Our students would be following these techniques and incorporating them in forms of embroidery and embellishments on their creation.

Our students also visited a craft village named Shilparamam - a place where artisans from across India showcase their individual skills in a variety of arts, crafts and culture. From Indian pottery to a plethora of weaves, woodwork, jewelry, clothes and local crafts of each region of the country.

While in Hyderabad, our students went to the following places:

Mecca Masjid – one of the biggest and the oldest masjid of India . the students visited the Laad bazar which is famed for its sparkling bangles called Lac & Basra pearls

Charminar – ‘ Mosque of the Four Minarets’  and ‘ Four Towers

Salarjung Museum – The Third largest museum in India . The museum houses magnificent exhibits of Indian  Art , Middle Eastern Art , Far Eastern Art and European Art & Textiles. The idea behind taking the students to this museum was to understand the ancient art and textiles which would act as an inspiration for them in future.

For more pics from the study tour to Hyderabad, visit http://on.fb.me/1Tq62G2

WWISFD Masterclass with Fashion Stylist, Snower Sania

It was a pleasure to have fashion stylist, Snower Sania  to conduct a WWISFD Masterclass for our students.

In the masterclass , Snower  Sania shared insight on fashion styling as a profession and its importance in today’s industry. She spoke about the current trends & contemporary styling techniques. She also explained the process of understanding trends in connection to the various body types, colors and personality. She said, “Fashion styling alone carries many options in terms of profession.” She also explained each aspect and as to how students could choose & decide the correct option, depending on their passion.

Talking of fashion styling she shared the work responsibilities of a fashion stylist, difficulties faced and prospects in the fashion industry. Usually there is a general confusion about the roles of a Stylist and a Designer. She clarified the doubts of the students and said, “Fashion styling is a part of fashion designing. A person can be a good designer but not necessary a good stylist and vice versa. The stylist is a person who not only guides or helps one in terms of their clothing but also oversees into the complete makeover of the person, from make-up to hair to accessories etc. that one chooses to wear or put together.”

She also shared her current work with the students giving them insights of the profession, which was very motivating. Overall the session with Snower Sania was informative yet enjoyable for the students.   

WWISFD Masterclass with Gaviin Miguel

 It was our pleasure to have the acclaimed fashion designer, Gaviin Miguel conduct a WWISFD Masterclass. At the masterclass, Gaviin shared insight and nuances to help our students understand and identify pret, bespoke & couture wear. He also helped our students to understand the technical details that goes into designing and creating these garments, alongside he also shared the commercial value of these creations in today’s day and age.

His journey from  being an aspiring fashion designer to making a mark in the industry as a successful designer did inspire our students. One of his most important learning that he shared with our students was, “It is very important for each designer to have a mark of their own, which will  not only make them stand out amongst others but also secure their position in the industry.” Gaviin also said, "To be a good designer it’s important to be a good human being, because what you are, reflects from the clothes that you make. Each design that you make should carry your heart and soul."

In his interaction with the students he spoke about his recent venture, Disney’s recreation of the magical Broadway, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ that was showcased in Mumbai  & Delhi. Gaviin was the Costume Designer for the theatre version of the musical. He shared his experience working for a Broadway theme and what it takes for a designer to be versatile but still holding on to that one thing that makes you different from others, your forte.

Overall, it was a very educative, enriching experience for the students to interact with Gaviin Miguel.