The weavers involved in traditional skills basically designed materials according to their own taste and imagination. Their lack of knowledge about the variety of texture and colour failed to attract the upper crest of the society for a long period. The cotton sarees of our country were mostly short in length and breadth even some ten-twelve years back. Even the texture was coarse after a single wash and designs initially had a local effect until designers began to take an interest in our local craft.

With a massive influx of machine fabrics and foreign textiles in modern times the fashion conscious ladies are now exposed to all types of materials the world can offer. Designs and textures are now constantly changing. Despite the wide array of fashion available, traditionally woven 'tanter sarees' have not faded away.

It's known to all that the market during Eid 'makes or breaks' a designer boutique. If the boutique is a hit, then the designer can use the goodwill for years to come. Looking around, it was not difficult to see how the designers worked feverishly to win the hearts of picky customers all across the country.

The mild winter has set up the stage for a colourful season. The television serials and latest movies have a big influence on the customers. Sarees and 'imported lahengas' are often named after the most popular cinemas. However, petite ladies this year will be seen in short kameez in exotic style of chiffon and Georgette. However, the fashion conscious ladies still hold a high value for sarees for festivals and glamorous occasions.

It's been a pleasant change to see that our fashion designers also spent extra hours on designing specially for the 'Adonis collection'; a huge variety are almost 'sold out' in the trendy boutiques. White embroidered panjabee has been replaced to a great extent by colourful materials. The sherwani cut has been designed with a matching shawl. This year fotua was popular among the younger people. The jeans panjabee and fotua have been designed for the cool season ahead. Besides bright colours of maroon, chocolate, black, olive green, and so on are triggered.

A few years back, Aarong offered stylish silk lungis with matching gaudy panjabees. Stylish toopi were also offered by designer boutiques. It's good to see that the designers of our country are high lighting our very own dress patterns with a trendy and innovative outlook. The media does play a very big role in promoting our young fashion world to compete with the changing society.

The motto of our designers should be 'Embrace your culture and feel proud of its traditions'.