Russh Magazine

"I was in school my whole life, and then I took a year off and went around the world. I ended up in India, and it was the one great adventure of my youth. It was a time when I learned the things you don’t learn from books, and it has remained a very vivid memory."

It was Jeffrey Eugenides' words in his novel The Marriage Plot that almost sealed the deal for an impromptu meeting with India.

Tonight, however, it's the photos that will do the tempting as Sydney's iconic The Strand Arcade lends its insides to the non-for-profit initiative Artisans of Fashion.

Highlighting the artistry of Indian textiles, beading and embroidery - the exhibit hopes to influence sustainable growth opportunities through Indian craft communities and the Australian fashion industry.

Akira, Easton Pearson, Rachel Gilbert and many more of The Strand's native retailers have collaborated with photographers of the Robyn Beeche, Georges Antoni and James Pipino kind as well as a favourite filmmaker of ours, Lorin Askil.

Check out opening night this evening from 6 - 9pm at The Strand Arcade to meet the designers and for a temporary daydream to the East.

The Strand Arcade will exhibit the works until 28 October.

SEE TED O'DONNELL'S SHOOT STARRING LOUISE VAN DE VORST