The annual designer expo-cum-sale, Utsav 2022, is a celebration of fashion and crafts for aficionados.
Organised by Kottayam Ladies Circle 48 at the Benjamin Bailey Hall, Chalukunnu, the 17th edition of Utsav is drawing hordes of enthusiasts, who can feast on stalls offering innovatively inclusive textile options to multitudes of crafts, jewellery, seasonal decors, baked products and more.
“We have award-winning designers from across the country present here, offering a variety of apparel, jewellery, footwear, home décor and more," Dr Krishnapriya Devraj, one of the organisers, said.
There are 43 stalls and 40-plus brands competing to attract visitors.
"On the first day, the response from the Kottayam crowd was overwhelmingly positive," Dr Krishnapriya said.
The organisers have set up air-conditioned halls for the first time expecting a mammoth crowd.
Shweta Rohan, who offers personalised woodenware through her brand ‘Wild Woods’ along with her business partner Sheetal Rohit, sells products mostly through her Instagram page.
Though Shweta hasn’t participated in many expos before, she is excited to be at Utsav.
“Kottayam shoppers are generally quite classy and picky. We hope they like our line-up,” says Shweta, as she displays her enticing pieces.
Designer Reetu George from Bengaluru, who offers casual wear and plus-sized clothing for women, spots a connection with women in Kerala.
“I have a pear-shaped body like many women in Kerala. I wish to make clothes for them and that’s what brings me here. I also believe in promoting body positivity and that’s why I feel we should have plus-sized clothing options too,” she says.
Interestingly, the proceeds of this edition of Utsav too would go to charitable projects, like schools for differently-abled children.
“We are also funding classrooms and washrooms in schools and initiatives to help with waste management. Last year, charitable projects worth Rs 12 lakh were carried out by Kottayam Ladies Circle,” adds Krishnapriya.
The show, which will end on Thursday, is on from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm. Manorama Online CEO Mariam Mammen Mathew inaugurated the expo on Wednesday.
Utsav will be held at Taj Gateway at Marine Drive in Kochi on November 26, from 9.30 am to 8 pm.
