BY STAFF REPORTER, TORONTO:Mahatma Gandhi once remarked “Assamese women weave dreams on their looms!”
Tara Bhuyan was fortunate and proud to have been born one to have been caressed by the softness and richness of the pat, muga and eri silks that her grandmother and mother wore every day in the unique style of the ‘mekhela sador’, the traditional dress of Assam.
Born and brought up in the North Eastern state Assam, she left home at 16 to pursue her junior college in Mumbai and realised how precious and rare the weaves and motifs of Assam were. Every time, she wore her mother’s 30 year old hand-me-dow’ Muga mekhela sador, the intricate motifs and molten gold fabric was unanimously appreciated. It was then she started dreaming about the forms she could lend to her weaves to create global statements.
“Our creations are commonly based on three gems of Assam, Muga silk, Paat and Eri (Ahimsa Silk). Our craftsmen working painstakingly with the vintage designs of Khinkhap , karbi , foolboota , jhaapi etc on the silk which has its own significance. We are also working on the different blends of weaves like Muga Chiffon , eri silk and eri cotton etc,” she says.
Bhuyan’s collection is all about nurturing the pride and beauty of Assam and bringing out creations like mekhla sador, sarees, lehengas , gowns and fusion wear.
“We are showcasing different forms of natural weaves of Assam and upholding the utmost richness of Assam silk and cotton in modern aesthetics in the global market,” says the Assamese designer.
“My design ideas starts from the base, I intend to work on the bigger picture by visualizing the ramp,” says Bhuyan. “Through my designs, I want to show the world how with the usage of elegant weaves one makes an indo fusion outfit. My collection captures the essence and ethos of the Assamese tapestry. The sensitivity and the warmth of the craft traditions speak within the weaves of the North East.”
“The words of the Mahatma are so apt about the beauteous weaves of Assam. My endeavor is to take this dream from the loom…..and beyond,” she says.
Bhuyan’s label “Woven Dreams of Assam” will be presented at India Show Canada taking place at the International Centre, Hall no. 3, in Mississauga from October 10 – 13.
For more information, visit Facebook @indiashowcanada.