Rajasthali – the flagship store of the handicrafts marketing wing of the Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation Ltd (RSIC), government of Rajasthan, is now all set for a new makeover under the direction of Bibi Russell. Bibi Russell is a popular Bangladeshi origin fashion designer.
The brand ‘Rajasthali’ is committed to promote the local artists by giving them a platform. Bibi Russell has worked with the Rajasthali during a fashion show on the occasion of Rajasthan Diwas where she appreciated this move of the state government in promoting the local artists and their impressive and creative handicraft of the colourful Rajasthan.
Honoured for the association with Rajasthali, the much talented designer recently in an interview said, “I have always been fascinated by the vibrancy of arts and crafts of Rajasthan. I feel bad that the store is not doing well. I recall, way back I once wore the ghagra choli that my parents bought from Rajasthali, for a college party, with lots of jewellery and everyone raved about it. Little did I know that one day I would be working on reinventing Rajasthali. This would be my tribute to the Rajasthan government that I work with”.
Let us tell you Bibi Russell’s amazing designs are much in demand in the western countries including India and this would be her first ever store in India which would be popularised with great marketing efforts by the state government.
She further added, “I returned to Bangladesh in 1994 and since have worked on Fashion for Development for my label. My rickshaw art is very popular with expatriates. But in Rajasthali, I will introduce the `Truck Art’ which I experimented on the `Jootis’ for my fashion show. My team of village women are already waiting for my go ahead for the next lot of accessories that I will order once Rajasthali is launched. So with every purchase you make at `Rajasthali’, remember you would be contributing to the development and promotion weavers and crafts persons besides taking back souvenirs reminiscent of the rich heritage of Rajasthan”.
This step by the state government is being seen as a major move towards the development of the local artist and their recognition on a higher level.
