IMG Reliance, British Council tie up to support female artisans

The British Council and IMG Reliance have signed an operational alliance agreement to support female textile artisans in India. The project, named 'A Telegram from Tripura', will enable UK designer Bethany Williams and Indian designer Aratrik Dev Varman of the label Tilla to explore new fashion systems and approach female textile artisans in the Northeastern region.

The aim is to increase their economic opportunities by responding to a creative brief set by Fashion Revolution, an organisation that celebrates fashion as a positive influence, while also scrutinising industry practices and raising awareness of the most pressing issues facing the fashion industry.

Aratrik Dev Varman and Bethany Williams recently did a creative residency in Tripura where they researched various tribes and textiles of the region. The work will showcase female textile artisans in India and demonstrate how design innovation can promote a fairer, more inclusive fashion industry.