Will Indian silk make a brawny entry into the US market?
Shrouded in myths and folklore the mystery of the Indian silk fabrics deepens with the magic of its craftsman. How much would President Obama get enchanted with this delicate wonder?
Silk, the much sought after fabric, and much considered as important in haute couture. Normally considered as a luxury trade, reputation for silk has now reached its crest. Admired by thousands in spectacular garment shows; on the catwalks of London, New York and Paris, novel products from silk fabrics have boosted the image of this illustrious textile.
India is the largest importer of silk, and is the second biggest producer. India and China together produce 80% of the world’s raw silk. More than 90% of the silk made in India is multivoltine in nature, while EU and US markets have a demand for bivoltine silk. (Multivoltine silk is yellowish in color, and can be obtained throughout the year. Bivoltine silk is white in color, very delicate, and is considered as the best quality silk.) The strength of the Indian silk industry lies in its wide base and sustaining market especially from the weaving sector, adequately supported by the sericulture projects, research, and training capabilities.
US is the biggest importer of silk and silk products such as interior decoration fabrics, accessories, and garments. US consumers do not have a long history of using silk, unlike China or India. But, in the span of time, the country has become a major importer of Chinese silk knitted apparels. Easy care being a prime consideration in a country like US, silk fabrics with such properties are now competing in the market with other fibres. Imports of silk bed linen into US have almost doubled in the past two yeas. India holds 40% share in the US market for bed linens.
The transparency of the Indian silk fabrics makes it more delicate, enabling the designer to get a structured look along with a transparent effect. The fluid and flowing nature of the fabric enables a sculpting to the garment, making it to look appealing.
As a proof of the Indian craftsmanship, two silk gifts are planned for the US President Barak Obama on his forthcoming visit to India later this year. A silk farmer has woven a scarf of 1 sq mt which weighing just 30 grams and by using the fibre from two cocoons. He is now in the process of weaving a silk sari measuring 6 metres in length, and 44 inches width. The sari is planned to be woven by using only 3-4 cocoons, and weighing approximately 70 grams. The sari is so lightweight, that it sill fit into a match box. Both fabrics are believed to be the lightest fabric of the world, and would be considered for the Guinness book of world records.
These gifts are expected to create a positive and powerful image about the Indian silk products in the US fashion diligence. During 2009-10 silk exports from India to the US accounted to ` 417 crores, comprising a 14.5% of the total silk exports. It was a decline of 29% compared with the previous years figures. Despite this decline, US still remains a top importer of silk products from India.
Gliding gracefully with poise and flair, Indian silk fabrics are homing in from the ancient traditions into the fashion promenades and arc lights. Along with the glory of the fabrics, the craftsmen whose forte is silk weaving will also come under the spotlight. The traditional Indian craft and craftsmanship have all the possibilities of getting a global recognition.
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