Blend of tradition and the contemporary in varied designs and styles

Curtains, carpets, rugs and other accessories complement to any interior or exterior decor, adding a stylishblend of versatility and beauty to any setting from a drawing to a kitchen, The exhibition gave the international buyers an insight into the range of handlooms, silks, cotton, jute, jewellery. and other crafts available in India

Tex Styles India 2003, biggest show of its kind is the platform for showcasing the best of Indian textiles to discerning national and international buyers.

Organised by India’s Trade Promotion Organisation (IPTO) Tex Styles India this year presented the buyers an insight into the trends and development of textiles for Spring, Summer 2004.

There were over 3000 overseas buyers, including from France, Netherlands, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, UAE, Hongkong, UK, Greece, Canada, Turkey etc.

According to deputy general manager India Trade Promotion Organisation R K Jain IPTO, this year had more than 300 leading Indian companies took part in the event.

Witnessing the event was a rare treat. Held at Pragati Maidan in the city of Delhi there were more than 300 stalls displaying the best in the Indian textile industry. The variety of weaves, designs and style which spoke of limitless variations in products and its designs were a treat to the eye.

Each stall had its own identity reflecting the sensuous quils a kaleidoscope of patterns, textures and colours of the Indian textile industry.

The ambience of the display was so eye-catching that it was shown to be used in every living space, living room as pinch cushion, pleated draperies, valences, blends, slipper bags and folding screen.

Everything that was on display was innovative and was an art itself rich in tradition and ethos.

India being a vast country with diverse yet rich culture, this diversity was truly reflected in the weaves. The mix and match combination, the embroidery, the fur pillows, mink cushions were all in elegant designs imaginatively expressed at the stalls. It was a unique blend of tradition and contemporary trends presented in varied designs and styles.

Handicraft display which is the heritage of Indian craftsmanship brought this timeless art in its original beauty, dignity and form. The wide range of handicrafts in metal, wood, textile, terra cotta, fibres, precious and semi-precious stone, glass reflected the artisans’ skills handed down through generations.

Depicting the different States of India some of the handicraft displayed spoke volumes of their exquisite craftsmanship.

This year India 2003 showcased the best of India’s with a surfeit of new products for the fashion connoisseurs, overseas buyers of textiles and furnishing handicraft.

The event was aimed to promote Indian textile exports. Products displayed encompassed from yarns to fabrics, cottons, synthetic, silk, wool, jute, furnishing etc.

This year there were more than 13,000 visitors from 76 countries, USA being the largest buyer followed by France, Spain, Canada, Japan, Germany, UK etc.

This major event was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Law, Justice, Commerce and Industry Shri Arun Jaitley. The event took place from February 28 to March 3.

The Union Minister of State and Commerce and Industry Shri Arun Jaitley asked textiles industries to sharpen their competitive edge. Complimenting the extensive efforts made by the ITPO and other supporting textile bodies for holding the 9th edition of Tex-Styles India, the Minister said that textiles industries revival requires continuous modernization and upgradation for exporting high quality items. Suitable impetus is being provided for qualitative and quantities transformation in production scenario in line with challenges in post 2004 quota free scenario.

Describing the event as a single sourcing shop for discerning global buyers, Shri S. B. Mohapatra informed that the fair represents all sectors of the industry i.e. mill sector powerloom and handloom sectors. Besides, there is large participation from the home furnishings, trimmings & accessories and other sectors like CAD CAM Media etc.

This year, the fair reflects quality improvement in terms of the weave and fastness of colours to position well in competitive international market arena. Trend Forum, Theme Pavilion and Fabric Folio are among added attractions to the visitors.

The previous event attracted a total of 9,500 buyers, of which 2,250 were overseas buyers from as many as 75 countries. This was in addition to 606 buying agents in India representing top-notch buyers of the world. Some of the renowned names like AMC, J. C. Penny, Calvin Klein, Bloomingdales from USA; Carrefour, Galleries Lafayatte, Printemps, 3 Suisses from France, Itochu, Sumitomo Corporation, Mitsui & Co., Mitsubishi from Japan, Carlstadt AG, Woolworth from Germany, H & M from Sweden, Otto International from Hong Kong. El Corle Ingles from Spain, Sears from Canada, De Bijenkorf from Netherlands; Littlewoods Retail Ltd from UK were among the companies that had sent their buyers to visit this event last year. - (zc)