Regality has been redefined with designer Anju Modi’s Kashish collection for the couture week. By Rupinder Kaur
Drawing inspiration from one of the richest ancient civilizations, Persia, Kashish resonates this longing for a lost place that used to be the home to magical folklores endorsing beautiful princesses, fierce as well as passionate and verses by Rumi validating their very existence. Anju Modi wanders off in an attempt to recreate and enumerate this excruciating yet embalming feeling through her collection, to a world which we all long to experience, again and again and again.
“Kashish is inspired by the Persian culture that has left an indelible mark through history. The impact of the expansive empire can be seen through archetypal architectural references, the myriad art forms ranging from calligraphy to miniature art, even the unique designs and motifs (bootis), and of course with literature and philosophy, too. All these aspects of the Persian empire inspired the collection this season,” shared Modi.
The palette for this collection, which comprised of lehngas and anarkalis, has been a range of pastels and deep shades — interesting combinations that highlight the vintage, heritage inspiration. The collection reflects a wide gamut of colours as ochres, ivories, mints form one spectrum of the palette, and indigos, marsala reds, teal, are the other part.
“In terms of fabrics, I like working with natural fabrics — fine khadi, Chanderi and dupion silk — these are luxurious fabrics that are comfortable to wear and yet reflect opulence,” the designer told us. The silhouettes from the collection were different, the motifs unique and the colour palette was fresh and interesting.
For Modi the creative process behind research-oriented pieces is always “mentally stimulating”.
“Reading about the civilisation, researching the motifs and interesting patterns was an extensive process and also creatively gratifying”.
Modi’s Persian inspiration also came from designing costumes for Sanjay leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani, but the designs, she said, “are best left to be seen onscreen when the opulence and the grandeur will be reflected through the entire cinematic experience of the movie”.
Modi believes that couture in India has evolved. “It has become more focussed and design oriented than it was before. Not just from the perspective from the designers, but also the customers, there is a sense of maturity with how our clients and customers view the garments,” she told us.