Chikan laptop bags, the in-thing!

New Delhi, Oct 2: Looking for a trendy laptop bag? Why not try one with chikan motifs? Footwear with embroidered chikankari work; bamboo floor coverings, coasters and mats and ethnic fashion accessories are among several innovative designs being brought out by the National Centre for Design and Product Development (NCDPD), set up by Ministry of Textiles.

Besides design and product development services, the Delhi-based centre is also engaged in exhibition designs, showroom and store development, visual merchandising, graphic and package designs and image building and branding.

"Our specialised design services include setting up of design studios, design promotion and research, industry linkage and tie-ups," says NCDPD's executive director R K Srivastava.

The designers of the centre are now working hard to create more items involving chikankari motifs.

"Our designers have been working with organisations involved in chikankari and zardozi work and have come up with an innovative range of products like garments, bags, jewellery and accessories besides sarees, dress materials and home furnishings with chikankari and zardozi embroidery," Srivastava told PTI.

The capacity and skill development programs of the centre have provided a unique opportunity for handicraft artisans and craft persons to upgrade their skills. More than 11000 artisans and craft persons have been trained in past two years, covered over 30 craft clusters across India.

According to Srivastava, the centre was set up with an objective to fulfil the gap in the hard goods sector in the areas of design, product development and technology.

At present, 50 designers are working at the centre, he says. The centre is also engaged in bringing out innovative furniture designs.

"We chronicle new design discoveries in furniture with the latest of designers'' creations. New ever-inquisitive designs usher in next generation style. Our designers do not only create, they innovate. And the trick is in the details," says P J Aranador, design director of NCDPD.

"With the resurgence of the green economy, new materials or reinventing old ones will matter. These include bio- polymers, carbon-based materials, salvaged wood, repurposed glass, re-fashioned ceramics, cement composites, metals, natural material derivatives among others," Aranador, who hails from Philippines, says.

Talking about upcoming programmes, Srivastava says NCDPD will set up a theme pavilion for the promotion of crafts from the northeast during the Indian Handicrafts

PTI