london fashion week ss0815-20 sep o7

Samant Chauhan (London fashion week ss-8)

About the collection-

The spring summer ‘08 collection consists of hand woven and knitted, 100 percent raw silk and linen blends- all using eco-friendly dyes and processes. The silk is produced in Bhagalpur, Bihar, India, by a completely different method compared to the other forms of silk in the world. While extracting the silk fiber, the silkworm is not killed. Instead, the cocoon is cut and the silkworm is allowed to come out. The process gives the silk a unique raw character a coarse silk yarn having a lot of protruding short silk fibers, rendering a unique natural sheen.


Overall Experience

Showcased my collection in “London Fashion Week", along with the top names of the fashion world. The experience was “Priceless” as the platform that British fashion council, provides is one that cannot be matched. "London Fashion Week" being the most prestigious and most widely covered fashion event in the world, has given me the much-required exposure and stimuli to my career. The response to the collection was tremendous and I am overwhelmed with all the encouragement and the support that came from all quarters, especially the rave reviews from the press. What better? The man himself, the fashion maestro – Roberto Cavalli walked into my stand and appreciated my collection. He was absolutely impressed by the fabric texture and surface techniques. . He noticed my fabric development skills and asks me about some the technique which I have used in my collection.

Some of the other visitors that came calling were – UK Environment Minister, Collin McDowell (International Fashion Journalist), Hilary Alexander (fashion editor, the telegraph London), Khabi Mirza (fashion editor, Drapers UK),Victoria smith(projects director IMG fashion , Europe),



International Media response

During the London fashion week, I received extensive coverage from international media. I have been interviewed by some of the leading news and lifestyle channels. B.B.C world covered me in their program called ‘deashi DNA’ which is meant to feature Asian artist. Even NDTV India showcased me in one of their lifestyle channel.

The newspaper reviews have also been encouraging.
To quote a few-
Tree hugger (09.21.07) - these raw silk dresses were hanging at the front of the esthetical show at the London fashion week and they stopped us dead in our tracks. Made of the finest softest silk, they moved gently in the breeze coming in the door. The dress and skirts are designed by Samant Chauhan who is an Indian designer. They are a perfect meeting of the eastern aesthetic with western styles.

Green cotton (09.19.07) - Finally, I’d like to make note of Samant Chauhan, a new designer from India, whose knitwear work is obvious in its ingenuity. This man is clearly a visionary and one step ahead of the crowd in terms of his designs. While some may say, the designs appear too odd, off-beat or strange at times, I would argue the Samant may be onto something. Inspired by the Asian pulse of fashion, he bridges the gap between east and west; fusing two typically opposing paradigms to create one very unique look. – I can only guess that the work of designers like Samant will be increasingly influential.

The ecologist (august 07)- his collection aims at promoting the interest of Bhaglpur silk weavers by bringing the Bhaglapuri silk to the fore and facilitating its entry in the domestic and international mainstream markets.


Business Response

The response to the collection has been tremendous to say the least. I was expecting business from the European buyers but we have received queries and some confirm order from International buyer from U.S.A, Germany, Spain, Brazil and South Africa. I got queries form all over the world which means my label will have visibility abroad.