London’s Oxford Street later is to host the UK’s first Indo-British Fair, showcasing the most innovative fusion of East meets West fashion, crafts and culture.

The event on September 21 – 23 brings together designs representing everything Asian, Indian, Boho, tribal, Gypsy and British.

Fifty-five talented designers from across the UK will be displaying an eye-catching mix of textiles, fashion, jewellery, art, and handicrafts.

The event is organised by Travelista,

“We wanted to put on the first ever UK street fair that focuses on the best of east and west fashion and design,” saidTravelista founder Akshuna Bakshi.

“Our aim was to find talented designers whose products capture the essence of both Asia and the UK and put together an eclectic and entertaining mix under one roof.  Oxford Street witnesses shoppers from diverse nationalities and ethnicities and resonates with the spirit of the fair perfectly.  There can't be a better location.”
Among the exhibitors at the Indo-British Fair are:

Vintage Amelia:  This Milton Keynes-based social enterprise produces designer pieces using vivid hand-drawn prints and luxury handcrafted silk batik.  Manufactured in Sri Lanka, the company gives vital employment to widows of the ethnic war in the North East of the island. 

AAN by Arti:  With seven generations of fabric productions behind her, the brand is now attracting buyers from the UK and USA.  From its cotton ginning and weaving mills across India in the 1800s to the hand-embroidered high fashion designs it creates in Delhi today, the brand is due to relaunch on 5th September in time for its appearance at the Fair.  

Salty Kinno: Farrah Sheikh has just launched this socially conscious brand.  A British-born Pakistani, her brand is named after the little kinno (oranges) she found in every home she ever visited in Pakistan.  She combines the skills and indigenous designs of female artisans with sizes and styles that suit a modern lifestyle to create bags and accessories.  Some of the profits are reinvested into local community projects in Pakistan, including a literacy programme for LGBTQI groups.

ZAFRAN:  The brainchild of Kashmir-born Neetu Jalali, ZAFRAN is a fusion of the traditional art and craft of her homeland and modern designs.  Now based in Epsom, Surrey, she creates whisper-soft pashminas and homespun silks from indigenous mills. Neetu said: “My designs are brought to life by skilled craftsmen in Kashmir.  I visit the country three times a year and we work together to refine my designs, and decide which colours and materials to use.  Their work deserves recognition and reward and I’m delighted that I have the chance for people to see and feel the products that we produce.” 

The Fair also features Indian gypsy bags, Kantha jackets, Ikat homewares, yoga and spiritual jewellery plus Celtic charms and English vintage wear.  Cultural connoisseurs can experience Henna tattoos or try their hand at gypsy jewellery making, block printing or Bindi art.

Refreshments will include Indian and Asian street food, cupcakes and British bakery treats, and Bollywood music will keep shoppers entertained.

To find out more see:

http://www.travelistaindia.com/#!indo-british-fair/c22j5