Inspired by folklore and fables, Gaurang Shah’s Chitr-Sena was like a poetry in motion
Blending folklore and fables of 16th century temple art with 21st century forms, Gaurang Shah’s Chitr-Sena collection was poetry in motion at lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014.
The show opened to the melodious voice of Shubha Mudgal who sang the theme song of Chitr-Sena as the models gracefully glided down the ramp. For contemporary fashion lovers, Gaurang’s collection had irresistible heritage and artistry. The kalidaars, kurtas, lehengas dhotis and sherwanis were glamour personified, while the silhouettes revealed inspirations from Afghani history yet tailored with Indian fabrics.
The wide range of motifs started with garuda, rudraksh, hamsa, shikarga, sher, bhagha, haathi, morni and shikari to create a mélange of flora and fauna. Embellishments were restricted to zardozi and badla to add glitter to the garments.
Chitr-Sena was also a rainbow of exotic colours that started with tantubha-yellow, zyama-blue, hasti-green, ayasa-grey and kasaya-brown with futuristic colours like sutara-yellow, succhaya-pink, suka-green and uditi-orange.
The rich weaves of the fabrics and saris projected tradition for the modern dresser. Bringing in a hint of variety, there were embroidered cigarette pants, slim kurtas with animal embroidery, a graceful purple maxi, tiered empire line angarakha and a pink asymmetric floor skimming creation. Adding to the ethnicity of the garments were interesting lutkans at the ends of choli tie-ups, dupattas and saris featured wooden birds and animals. A flash of printed lining for some of the garments added an innovative touch.
The four men’s wear entries were restrained with dhotis, kurta with embroidered sleeves, angarakha and sherwani all draped with ornate dupattas. Stopping the show was Taapsee Pannu who wore an orange/yellow sari with lush border.
Designers Ekta Jaipura and Ruchira Kandhari under their label “Ekru” presented a riot of colours and fabrics. Ikat was focal point of the collection, with extensive use of chanderi, handloom cotton, ghicha and silk. Vibrant hues created a melangé of colours as fuchsia, red, yellow and lime teamed up with darker tones of bottle green, wine and navy.
Embellishments were lavishly splashed on the garments with hand and machine embroidery merging with great ease. Thread, aari and zardozi added to the luxurious feel of the collection. The silhouettes were fluid and flowing as anarkalis, tunics, lean kurtas and draped creations were ideal for every fastidious dresser during the festive season.
Dupattas matched the kurtas, while dual-toned saris had shimmering embellishments and impressive borders. Shararas were worn with regal long-sleeved coats and asymmetric hemlines added to the grace of tunics.
Detailing was interesting with draped accents at an angle for the kurtas, attached dupattas, velvet edges for hemlines, coat style kurta over chiffon layered sharara; while the waistcoat or bolero gave the sari/choli combo a new fashion direction. More eye-catchers were a sheer peplum blouse over sharara and long luxurious kurta with tiny shrug.
For traditional touches with hints of contemporary designing, Jaipura and Kandhari offered the perfect festive line.