Gauri Khan unveiled her Spring-Summer 2016 collection, Cocktails and Dreams, for Satya Paul in the capital. This is the final edition of her three collections which she co-designed with the fashion house to mark the latter’s 30th anniversary in the Indian fashion industry. By Devi Singh
Dressed in a sari with wine and red fractals, a stunning semblance of a Bloody Mary infused with Blueberry Bramble, Gauri Khan has hit the spot with the collection she co-created with the sari house. The alliance between Bollywood’s first lady and Satya Paul took place last April when the latter turned 30. Khan added her distinct touch to previous two seasons of Satya Paul namely Tropical wonder, Mata Hari and continued with her last Cocktails and Dreams.
The collection is inspired by head spinners, adding the woozy fantastical appeal with its bold hues and prints. The line comprises separates like sheer tunics, dresses and fluid saris with some lace work and intricate embroidery going in. The mirage of gyrating patterns which form the strong signature of Satya Paul is still perceptible throughout the collection.
But Khan has surely rendered a certain luxe appeal to the fashion house with her style sensibilities. With her comes the sophistication and grace which might have added value to the house of design. There is a synergy between her and Satya Paul’s clientele. It’s probably the relatability which she shares with the young women who want to explore their ethnic side without much risk. “I think Gauri Khan defines the whole concept of a modern Indian woman. Today, women want to make a statement all the while sticking to their roots. Only a Satya Paul sari can give you that look. It’s amazing to see how elegantly a woman can transform herself in a sari,” said Deepika Gehani of Satya Paul.
Initiated in 1985, Satya Paul synonymous with chic saris has carved a niche in the fashion industry with its unique template of prints, colors, and design. Having introduced the idea of choreographed collections and modern ethnic wear, the brand’s take on print innovations changed the way the consumer previously looked at saris. Sari was no longer restricted to hereditary Banarasis and Chanderis. Who would have thought an Indian woman could pull off a Google sari with panache with letters and digits scrawled all over the fluxional fabric.
Handed over to Genesis Colors in 2001 by the eponymous designer, Satya Paul the brand has grown across the country with 30 locations in India and abroad. “This has been a great partnership for us. In the last one and a half years, we have created some of the most successful designs and we thank Gauri Khan for her cooperation and for being such an asset to the team,” said Nikhil Mehra, COO, Genesis Colors.
The collection speaks of Khan’s graceful style which has been reflected through fluid, easy to wear yet intrepid separates. It’s all about modern, relaxed silhouettes perfect for daywear to surreal cocktail drapes for the evening. The prints exude color gradients and accents associated with urban cocktail concepts, such as crystallized ice structures and their texture, in a tryst of classic and electric colors. Speaking on what got her inspired for her latest collection for Satya Paul, Gauri Khan said, “I think I get inspired from everything which is around me; it majorly comes out of my travels. The architecture and various cultures can inspire your designs.”
The colour palette consists of an effervescent burst of shades ranging from flaming orange, fiery cherry reds to midnight blue. The fabrics remain close to house’s design sensibilities comprising breezy satins, georgettes to flat silks. A variety of embellishment techniques of laser cutting and foiling, with lace and resham can also be seen skillfully woven into the fabrics.
The collection also boasts of modern range of scarves, ties, pocket squares, bags and clutches. This season Satya Paul has reinvented its accessories with a larger collection of metallic clutches, printed totes, slouchy slings, messenger and oversized bags. The Spring-Summer 2016 range sees a wider variety of men’s accessories than ever before with the introduction of slim 4MM and crystallised series of ties and bespoke gifting sets. The Bridal assortment offers contemporary silhouettes, keeping ethnicity intact with carefully chosen fabrics with a striking and opulent color palette.
Khan has always been associated with her unique sense of design sensibilities. Having ventured into interiors, home furnishings to now fashion she is certainly notching up her creative quotient. “I’ve always been a creative person, when I was doing homes I realised that I was very much into colors and the design aspect of it and that’s how it all began.”
Seen and known for her western appeal, Khan is a name to reckon with when it comes to glamour. It’s an aberration of sorts to envision her in a sari. There was always a side to her which she didn’t explore and might have been hidden until now. Mostly seen in western silhouettes and cuts Khan knows how to rock a sari and that’s when a label like Satya Paul steps in. Talking about why she chose to team up with Satya Paul she shared, “I have always loved wearing saris. No brand does saris better than Satya Paul. I am happy to be associated with the brand to co-create and to know that these have been very well appreciated. I think especially these days you will find me in a sari at any event. Comfort is a priority for me and what better than saris and it’s all the more amazing when it’s a Satya Paul,” Khan said.