A stitch in time…

The city recently witnessed a fine coming together of its most brilliant minds across textiles, fashion and culture, for a great cause set in the museum. Our sutradhaars discuss the need for long-term plans to take forward such positive intent

When Sir PM approached Lady Flora inside the shaded interiors of St Thomas Cathedral, he couldn’t help but notice that her eyes looked tired; ‘possibly from lack of sleep,’ he told himself but felt it right to ask her immediately. “All okay, my Lady? I hope this horrendous weather hasn’t got the better of you as well,” he asked. Lady Flora was a bit slow off the blocks for a change; he could guess. “Ah well, Pheroze. Yes and no. It was a first for me, so I obviously didn’t see it coming. It was all George’s [George V, Prince of Wales] idea. And Edward [of Kala Ghoda fame] couldn’t resist the idea of attending a ‘show’ right here,” Lady Flora replied. By now, her half-replies were making Sir PM all the more curious about what she was referring to; she was hardly the person to avoid a direct response. “All of us attended a textile show on the lawns of the museum; and George was going to be the centre of attention. Edward had got the news and informed me, I must add, awfully late about this event. Alas! It was too late, else we would have surely let you know,” she trailed off, watching her friend’s face turn from curious to upset. “See, Pheroze, please don’t be cross; this was all Edward’s doing,” she explained her case. Sir PM tried to be a sport. “Okay, then…tell me all.”

“It was a gala event; the city’s who’s who were there in their glittering, albeit summery best given the rising temperatures despite it being a late evening affair. It was to support the cause of our country’s weavers and their fine weaving traditions across the length and breadth. I found it quite fascinating and educative to see this initiative. More so, it’s because the event was able to bring together the movers and visionaries across the textile, fashion and cultural communities, all for a common cause. And our George looked quite spiffy at the centre, as models dressed in fine Indian wear sashayed around him, against the backdrop of the museum’s façade. He looked mortified but enjoyed the spotlight,” Lady Flora grinned widely, while recalling moments from that starry night. 

“So, what was the end result of this spectacle?” her friend asked. “Well, from what I gathered, and picked up as I eavesdropped [of course, they weren’t aware!] my way across the lawns, it appears that the museum and a fashion studio helmed by two bright designers have come together to showcase some of India’s fine weaving traditions. One of the galleries in the museum is currently displaying some finely restored pieces as well. And all of this was put together by the gracious backing of pro-city welfare organisations and business houses. All in all, there was vision and thought to salvage, preserve and highlight India’s textile history through this collection, which was a great way to bring the fashion community into the museum, and on the other hand, ensure that these cultural ambassadors and textile conservators connect with them, and hopefully, associate with more such initiatives in the future,” Lady Flora elaborated.

Sir PM looked a bit sceptical after hearing her longish monologue, “It sounds very promising and ambitious. But don’t you think this should have happened earlier? We are at the financial heartbeat of India, after all, and the city is home to such a fine assemblage of design and textile heavyweights; such collaborations should have been done earlier, I feel. Also, I hope this isn’t a one-off idea. While textile conservation isn’t my area of expertise, I feel their intent is right, and hence the juggernaut should continue to stir even more work in this direction, by including the city’s brightest minds to participate in this endeavour.” Lady Flora nodded, “Absolutely. Our city could have started such ideas well in advance, but as they say, ‘Better late than never.”

And then Sir PM remembered, “But you’re yet to tell me about this sleep-deprived look…?” Lady Flora blushed, “Oh, that! You see, we all decided to head to the Harbour Bar post the event. Edward’s friends were in town. I haven’t partied this late in centuries since those grand balls at the Governor’s house. Dare I say, many a margarita was sipped on…” Sir PM smiled. “The hangover…haha. I get it. Not to worry. Some lime juice should do the trick, as the two walked towards the nearby juice vendor. When culture in the city was the talking point, no hangover was tough to overcome.

mid-day’s Features Editor Fiona Fernandez relishes the city’s sights, sounds, smells and stones...wherever the ink and the inclination takes her. She tweets 
@bombayana

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