Woollens of every hue & texture at Wool Fab

KANPUR: For all the fashionistas, styling in winters seems to be less experimental. With only limited varieties of winter apparels available in the local market, the young crowd is left with only a few options to get themselves well groomed. However, one need not travel down to different states to buy best quality winter apparels as 'Wool Fab', an expo of winter wears organised by the Ministry of textiles, has brought an array of winter outfits this season.The fab started on December 5 and would conclude on December 18.
From shawls to long jackets and mufflers, states like Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have a lot to offer to Kanpurites this winter season. "The expo is quite different from other exhibitions that have been organised recently in the city. Since all the clothes are handmade, the ethnicity of a particular state is predicted very well in kurtis, jackets, shawls and coat. Each stall is unique and the item displayed by it are very attractive, " says Rama Singh, a housewife.
The Himachal Pradesh stall, with shawls of Angoora wool, Kinnauri wool and Chamba wool ranging from Rs 2,000 onwards, grabbed the eyeballs of the female brigade present there. Beside shawls with ethnic prints and textures, the stall also has designer stoles and long coats, not only favourite among saree clad women but also the figure conscious young girls.
Similarly, there was a stall from Gujarat that attracted a major strength of the crowd. It had 'bandhej' prints in woollen fabric. "We get good response from people who like handmade products. The winter wears prepared by us are not only made from natural fabric but are also sophisticated and good looking," said the stall owner.
From Bagheshwar, Uttrakahnd, there were mufflers and woollen caps, and from Manali, Himalyan jackets, gowns and ladies coats. The stall from Jaipur had lightweight designer quilts. From dark to bright shades, the quilts had flowery prints as well as exotic designer patterns that attracted buyers. "For the past two years, I have been coming to Kanpur. This year, we have received a good response from people who are ready to spurge on these special quilts ranging from Rs 600-4,500," the stall owner said.
However, shawls are quite expensive. "Pashmina shawls of our region are in good demand, especially those with Persian or flower design. But, their cost ranges up to Rs 20,000 that makes them exorbitant for the common man. So, no matter how much they like the product, they don't purchase it, which makes our business suffer," the stall owner from Kashmir claimed.