Gaurang Shah’s “Chandbali” collection was a splendid line of regal ethnic wear at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer 2014. It was also one of the few collections dedicated to the Indian bride.
Gaurang, known for his traditional weaving and pattern fused with modern touches, brings us a rainbow collection of eastern Indian influence.
Combining the patterns of the antique odhnas from the Akbarnama with khadi (hand woven cloth), Gaurang’s outfits had the richness, beauty and auspicious touches of bridal finery. Motifs like gow-mata, chand-suraj, Buddha-pada were combined with chandbali like embroidery.
The colors vibrated out of a Holi festival scene: surkh (red), gulabi (pink), zard (yellow), narangi (orange), sabz (green).
Created in different styles like jamas, achkans (knee length jacket), angarkhas (jacket style anarkali), sadris, shalukas, and lehengas, there is something for every bride.
The Chandbali collection revives the ancient Jamdani weaving technique, a hand weaving process involvin the finest muslim. Originating in Bengal several hundred years ago, the jamdani is experience a renaissance after a century of decline against imported and manufactured textiles.
Gaurang had his favourite muse, the beautiful, elegant, dimpled Kirron Kher in a hot pink brocade sari. I love Kirron, she knows how to walk that ramp.
And check out all the fine detailing in the sari, striped patterns, solid blocks, brocades, all in vibrant pinks, oranges, and golds.
Gaurang’s Chandbali collection is true to his traditional styles (like the Patan Patola collection) that pays hommage to Indian ancient textile art.
