Weaving cotton stories

Cotton Council International (CCI), in association with Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) has announced the finalists of the televised ‘Let’s Design’ fashion design competition. Vedangi Agarwal, Dimpali Khattar, Deepen Mohan Sharma and Ruchi Ramachandran have been chosen for the final round. Selected from over 2,000 entries, these aspiring designers will join three young hopefuls selected in Kolkata earlier this week.

“The calibre of entries this year is extremely high with some great non-traditional applications of cotton,” expressed Agnieszka Fijol, CCI’s program head of India, adding, “Their designs show the true versatility of cotton fabric.” Renowned designers Troy Costa and Priyadarshini Rao judged the entries and selected the regional winners. “Cotton is India's heritage, and there has never been a fabric better suited to our lifestyles or mind-sets,” said Rao. “Cotton mirrors people’s lives,” said Costa, and added “It adapts to meet their needs, reflecting their strength and energy without losing their sensuality and individuality. Extravagance and comfort become one when creative tailoring meets cotton’s renowned qualities of breathability, strength and versatility.”

The top 10 from around India will be invited to Delhi, where they will face a series of design challenges that test their creative and technical skills. A panel of fashion industry experts will judge each challenge, with one or more designers eliminated in each round. The winner will receive one million rupees and the chance to present at Spring/Summer 14 Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week.