Paying an elegant tribute to indigenous craftsmanship and beauty

The job of an artist is to offer a sanctuary of beauty to an ugly world --- Jeff Goins

Just the thought in my mind as Dandelion Season 6 is all set to floor the discerning with its eclectic constellation of art, craft, design and textile on January 31, at Vivanta by Taj Ambassador. The exhibition has been living this truth evocatively every season, ever since its inception a few years ago. Interestingly, this also happens to be 2018’s first fashion and lifestyle exhibition will bring forth another stunning array of craft, design, art and beauty in an innovative way.

I've been a loyalist since its inception and have been floored by the range and beauty. Hence, I implore you to explore this platform that is symbolic of positivity, survival and progress.

Ensemble by Shivani Bhargava

Art aficionado, Mukta Nandini Jain, has been this beautiful platform keeping in view the indigenous craftsmanship abundant in our country in the realm of art, design, craft and textile. The exposition, in its sixth season, is bringing a Spring/ Summer collection of garments, jewellery, home accessories and art that is quaint, pretty and handmade, to discerning fashionistas who have a yen for uniqueness and hand-crafted fashion. The exhibition will have designers delving in a traditional vocabulary but crafting products that appease the contemporary milieu. Because, as Leonardo da Vinci had so prophetically said, “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” Those who have witnessed Dandelion from close quarters can vouch for this. It is a space that celebrates decadence with exquisite handwoven, hand-printed and hand-embroidered textile oriented fashion and unique bijouterie.

Spearheaded by Sasvata, an organization founded by Mukta Nandini Jain, which aims at working for women and child development and focuses on the need for women to be economically empowered. With more than 3 decades of active participation in diverse genres of craft, art, design and textiles, her eye has made the exhibition unique and different from the hullabaloo of fashion expositions in the city. When one walks into it, one gets to witness the philosophy that drives the designer and the heartfelt way in which fashion meets a social cause.

Speaking about the germination of the idea of Dandelion, Ms Jain, says, “The notion was to collate an eclectic mix of art, craft, design and fashion exhibitors who are equally passionate about design and the crafts. Today we can safely say, and visitors would vouch, that we offer opulence, glamour, sophistication that is very distinct from the jaded mindset. The designers and labels featured are steeped in heritage and tradition and the beauty of the indigenous crafts is reflected in the wares.”

So, go, revel in and shop from a batch of luxurious creations that are distinct, handmade and strong in the history of their inception.

Date : Wednesday, 31st January, 2018

Venue : Vivanta by Taj - Ambassador, New Delhi

Time : 10:00 am - 6:00 pm