Kavita’s kaleidoscope: An imperial tribute to Indian craft

Amidst a mesmerising rendition of Rajasthani folk music by snake charmers clad in white chicken kurtas and saffron turbans; a packed house with a host of prospective buyers among high-profile guests in the front row, Kavita Bhartia’s show on the afternoon of Day 2 of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week began on an opulent note.
Kaleidoscope on the ramp
The Summer-Spring collection titled ‘Kaleidoscape’ was manifest in the designer’s perception of a visual landscape in a harmonious blend of the indigenous with modernity.In its amalgamation of old-school craftsmanship in technique with influences from Persian motifs and Russian architecture in taste, the collection proposed novelty.
Designer speak
The designer while explaining the relationship between contemporary trend and vintage heritage, said, “Though my collection makes the eclectic mix of texture, fabric and design apparent but the indigenous quality that informs my sartorial structure is paramount. It is important to address the modern market today but for me the inspiration will always be extracted from the roots of Indian craftsmanship and tailoring expertise.”
Fabrics, design, and style
An exciting cultural explosion came to display with Kavita’s attempt to invest her collection in special tie and dye technique with reflections from tribal ikat style of weaving that thrive in the interiors of India. The multi-hued attire of North African tribal society was made visible in fashion when folkloric motifs combined with shades of spicy browns and camouflaged neutrals to mark a sense of royalty.
Draped tunics, balloon skirts, long dresses, jumpsuits and tiered skirts attained an ethnic significance while being tastefully assertive with multi-sized patchwork prints and silhouettes redefining the dressing of a modern woman. Styled in fabrics ranging from ikat, zardozi, georgette and satin, the outfits commanded perfect fit and elegance with Lycra holding them together.
As all the garments were handcrafted, embroidery played a major role in bringing out the intricate patterns that the designer aimed to showcase in her cocktail-like collection. Dori embroidery done on flared kurtas, detailed threadwork on scarves that accompanied crinkled long dresses, cut-work embroidery on ponchos and pintuck tunics were some featured examples of its usage.
The last segment of the collection was devoted to Indian wear in its deviation from the imperial asymmetric dresses, cowl tunics, sequinned tops, pants and neon shirts that featured in the initial phases. Chanderi flared kurta, kalidars designed with zippers and lehenga styled in shades of fuschia reflected a subdued form of bridal wear.
Showstopper
The showstopper of the evening, Lisa Haydon, looked sultry in a knee-length mud shade dress draped in satin and Lycra. In her post show address to the media, she said, “The collection for me is grounded in Indian ethics in so far it lends a fair recognition to the many craftsmen who have not parted ways with our tradition and culture. The collection replicates that while infusing it with a western sensibility.”
Colours
Formica blue, porcelain green, rose pinks, imperial purple, grey-pink, peach chocolate, maroon, lots of white, shaded walnut grey, yellow and turquoise were some of the prominent shades that added vibrant touch to the modern tropical prints and ombre dying technique for a guaranteed exotic garnish.
Accessories
Purses and handbags with bejewelled strings that complimented with the neck borders of long dresses and flowy gowns made up for a fitting accessory crediting the attire a royal stroke. Scarves hanging off the shoulders from one side, satin belts, metallic embroidery on neckpieces, sequinned broaches done on arms credited an embellished tone to the overall look of the creation.
Front row guests/glitterati
Apart from the class of buyers that formed a sizeable chunk at the do, media personalities like Shekhar Gupta, fashion editor Vinod Nair and actor Nasir Abdullah were spotted at the front row.
Rating: 8.5/10