Hyderabad designer Shravan Kummar commemorates 25 years of his design journey with Margazhi

When Hyderabad-based Shravan Kummar decided to commemorate 25 years of his journey as a designer, he did not settle for a regular fashion show that will have the city’s who’s who in attendance. Staying true to the ethos of his work that focuses on handlooms, in particular heritage weaves, he made sure that all his guests who arrived at the new events space named Utsavam, at Gandipet, observed the installations of looms and the display of Benarsi and Kanjeevaram saris.

Titled Margazhi, the event held over the weekend resonated with the spiritual leanings of the month. The day began with the rendition of hymns from Thiruppavai. Shravan says, “I wanted Margazhi to be a celebration of our tradition and culture. After all, my weaves are rooted in heritage.”

Designed like a museum style experience, one section of the installations at Utsavam featured his mother Parvathy Devi’s personal collection of handloom saris, reflecting how his early interest in handwoven textiles emerged. 

Over the years, Shravan’s line of saris, while reviving vintage motifs and weaving techniques, uses a colour palette that appeals to the young and mature clientele, from pastel pinks and mint greens to golden yellows and deep maroons.

Margazhi concluded with a fashion presentation featuring models sporting handwoven silk saris and ensembles. Guests were also treated to a food spread that was an extension of the culturally-rooted ethos. Imagine grazing platters featuring thatte (a variety of flat deep-fried savoury) and avocado mash, or small portions of venn pongal and appalam. “It had to be that way, I wouldn’t have gone for a grazing table with cheese for such an event,” Shravan laughs heartily.