Deepika Govind’s high-end boutique Neel Sutra stocks some of the finest works by textile revivalists. The designer spoke to Trisha Mukherjee about her Khadi Kool collection
After rocking the lakme ramp couple of years ago with her quirky saris (all indigenous textile-based) on ramp, designer Deepika Govind has taken a giant leap with her maiden concept store Neel Sutra. With an objective to promote India’s textile heritage, the store stocks designers at the forefront of the revivalist movement: Rohit Bal, Anju Modi and Abraham & Thakore, along with Govind’s eponymous label. Its 2,200 sq ft premise has taken up residence inside the Oberoi hotel.
The designer has recieved rave reviews for her innovations in textiles. “I have always presented desi fabrics in a cool avatar. My new collection is Khadi Kool for summer. It’s in ecru and blue. I am also presently working on eri and muga fibers,” she shared.
Her work weaves together the rich past, preserved traditions and the new India. “Representing Indian textile and fashion on an international platform has always been my endeavour. Neel Sutra is a product of this desire. By working with other designers and weavers, I have tried to create an Indian modern store that can match the international standards anywhere across the globe. A hand woven textile is a luxury only known to India,” said Govind.
Apart from ikkats and patolas, that the designer creates bespoke garments inkanjivaram, chanderi, jamdani, paithini and uppada. “A favourite among my latest designs is asymmetric silhouettes in Benarasi jamdani weaves,” she said.