Blending folklore and fables of 16th century temple art with 21st century forms, Gaurang Shah’s ‘Chitr-Sena’ collection was poetry in motion at the fashion week. The show opened to the melodious voice of Shubha Mudgal who sang the theme song of ‘Chitr-Sena’ as 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 to the audience that the inspirations were from Afghani history but 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 zardosi and badla to add glitter to the garments.
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 angarkha and a pink asymmetric floor skimming creation.
The four men’s wear entries were restrained to dhotis, kurta with embroidered sleeves, angarkha and sherwani—all draped with ornate dupattas. Taapsee Pannu was the showstopper for the designer; she looked beautiful in an orange/yellow sari with lush border.