In a country where textiles is an amateur industry, students from New Zealand, who visited Coimbatore for a six-week internship, have turned silk saris into Western wear. The clothes will be at display during a fashion show this Friday.

Olivia Dunn, 24, a student of New Zealand of Fashion Technology, spoke about her experience at Bannari Amman Institute of Technology for six weeks where she has learnt the minute details of garment manufacturing and design.

"In New Zealand we do not have the facility to look at textile manufacturing so minutely. We learn most of it theoretically. But, the visit to manufacturing units, seeing the entire process with your eyes and learning the skills from Indian experts is life-time experience," said Olivia.

A similar thought is shared by Ana Te Whaiti, 25, who speaks about the other side of the trip. "While we learnt the intricacies of textile manufacturing, on the other hand, we learnt the style of Indian clothing. Our garments are predominantly monochromatic while women here wear more bright and colourful stuff," she said.

The New Zealand government has been sponsoring the internship for the past four years and the students from New Zealand visit Bannari Amman Institute of Technology for the internship.

"We also visited places like Thanjavur, Udhagamandalam, Mysuru and other places around. The food and hospitality here has been fabulous," said Olivia.

Students from New Zealand took 35 silk saris from Sathyamangalam and redesigned them into Western outfits. These will be at display on Friday during a fashion show hosted by Bannari Amman Institute of Technology.

"The learning here has enabled students to go and implement things practically in the industry in New Zealand. It has helped them grow in their career significantly," said Giles Brooker, chairman of Giles Brooker group.Read more at:formal dresses online | bridesmaid dresses