Swapnil junjare / South Asian New York Fashion WeekSouth Asian clothing and accessories have been in the spotlight this week at the second South Asian New York Fashion Week, highlighting how styles from the region are both influencing and embracing current trends.
Shipra Sharma, also co-founder of South Asian Fashion Week, pointed to materials like raw silk and chiffon-crepe that are used globally but gained popularity in South Asian designs. The region also pioneered specific patterns like paisleys and tie-dye embroidered designs called bandhani. "It is a blend of all of my heritages. It's very much royal-core and cottage-core — that Bridgerton aesthetic that I love," Yerneni, who was raised in Houston, said."When I was getting the prints for this collection and designing, I was very specific about having traditional prints and designs."
Yerneni, 24, said the traditional prints achieved by fabrics like brocade silk often look very regal, which some misidentify as European. While she is grateful for the compliments on the textiles, she said it's important to remember that designers sought these supplies from the subcontinent for centuries.