Fashion Designer Shravan Kummar Discusses His Latest Collection, Passion for Saris, and Underrated Indian Textiles

Hyderabad-based fashion designer Shravan Kummar recently unveiled his latest collection in Bengaluru, encapsulated by the theme “Bangalore to Belgium — tassels, threads and tradition.” This collection features traditional Ilkal embroidery from Karnataka and Mata ni Pachedi textile art from Gujarat, along with exquisite Banarasi fabrics.

Shravan emphasizes that the collection merges the timeless beauty of regional craftsmanship with contemporary luxury. “Every piece pays homage to centuries of artistry, seamlessly blending tradition with a modern global aesthetic, making powerful statements suitable for today’s fashion landscape,” he stated.

He innovatively reimagines saris, suggesting they can be paired with boots and hot pants, promoting his motto: “wear a sari, save a weaver.” Shravan passionately advocates for weavers, stating, “Even if I design a lehenga today, it will be crafted from a sari to ensure weavers receive work.”

Presenting his collection at Indian Craft Brewery (ICB) symbolizes a commitment to both heritage and innovation, echoing ICB’s mission of bringing crafted Belgian beers to Bengaluru, aligning with a shared vision of cultural celebration.

Passion for Tradition

Shravan, who initially pursued a medical career, turned to fashion design after gaining insights from the London School of Fashion, where he specialized in color and fashion psychology. “Upon returning, I aimed to revive traditional craftsmanship, contributing to India’s rich tapestry of textiles,” he recalled.

Since launching his career in 1996, he has actively supported about 3,800 widows across India by providing them with spinning wheels to create khadi. “Many weavers aren’t compensated fairly due to excessive middleman involvement, which leads to exploitation,” he noted, underscoring the need for systemic reform.

While acknowledging the government’s initiatives for weavers, Shravan pointed out that proper utilization and promotion of these efforts are lacking. “Consumers must value the artistry behind garments, understanding the labor that goes into a handwoven sari before haggling over prices,” he advised.

Celebrating Diversity in Textiles

The sari remains central to Shravan’s designs, celebrated for its versatility and ability to flatter all body types. With India boasting over 900 distinct types of saris, the design possibilities are endless.

Shravan also highlighted the lesser-known textiles of India, such as Baluchari from West Bengal and morangfai saris from Assam, raising awareness of the rich diversity within Indian weaving traditions. He offered practical advice for preserving vintage textiles, recommending the use of pepper pods and cloves in breathable fabric to ward off pests.

Reflecting on his 24-year journey in fashion design, he humbly stated, “I still have much to learn and contribute to this vibrant industry.”