Anita Dongre’s “Varanasi Weaves”

FASHION/LIFESTYLE

Development Commissioner for Handlooms,

Ministry of Textiles, Govt. Of India in association with

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India ( CMAI)

presented

Anita Dongre’s “Varanasi Weaves”

At Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2014

The beautiful and graceful Dia Mirza dazzled as the showstopper

 Day three at Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2014 saw a spectacular showcase by Anita Dongre, as she celebrated the rich Indian textiles of Varanasi through her collection “Varanasi Weaves”. 

Coming forward to support her commitment towards promoting and popularising traditional Indian weaves and crafts, was the Development Commissioner of Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India in association with CMAI

 

Opening the show to a packed audience was the gorgeous Dia Mirza- looking alluring in a buttercup yellow flowy skirt matched with a chic crop top and belted with an embroidered waist band- as she sashayed down the ramp to a live soulful performance of contemporary folk tunes by singer songwriter Geetu Hinduja. What followed was an evening of surreal vintage charm, a beautiful and fitting melange of music and fashion- as models displayed the magical weaves of Varanasi taking form in contemporary silhouettes and soothing summer colors apt for the modern global woman of today.

 

The front row exuded glamour and elegance with Shabana Azmi, Sangeeta Bijlani, Urmila Matondkar, Namrata Shroff, Ambika Suri, Sona Mohapatra, Preeti Desai, Monica Dogra, Mugdha Godse, Vidya Malvade, Neetu Chandra, Sanghmitra Hitaishi,to name a few. The ladies looked ravishing as they donned their favourite Anita Dongre label

·         Shabana Azmi- A black embroidered Anita Dongre kurta with pants

·         Sangeeta Bijlani- In an elegant beige net brocade Anita Dongre gown

·         Urmila Matondkar- Pink & cream block printed Anita Dongre gown

·         Preeti Desai- Column gown with gota patti work by Anita Dongre with Pinkcity earrings

·         Sona Mohapatra- An Anita Dongre red column gown with Pinkcity jewellery

·         Namrata Shroff- A blue Anita Dongre gown

·         Ambika Suri- A monochrome gown by AND

·         Monica Dogra- A jumpsuit by Global Desi

·         Mugdha Godse- Cinnamon Mocha skirt & top by AND

·         Vidya Malvade- Linen crop top and skirt by AND

·         Sanghmitra Hitaishi- A white flowy maxi by Global Desi

“Varanasi Weaves” was highlighted with gorgeous geometric patterns in soft pastel hues highlighted by the timelessness of the woven weaves from Varanasi. Elegant and understated, the collection is an eclectic melange of pret separates matched with couture elements for a boho luxury feel. The beautiful application of this simple fabric through a variety of patterned waves and light embroideries injects an element of freshness in the collection.

The silhouettes move from straight panel cuts to flares, with a mix of flowy voluminous full length skirts creating mystical drama as they come alive in hues of powder blues and old rose, column gowns resplendent in Varanasi beadwork and hand embroidered crop tops paired with palazzo pants- the collection is the perfect meeting ground of cultural richness with modernity.

The colour wheel spins vintage hues of old rose, buttercup yellows and powder blues, to more muted and neutral tones of beige, dull gold and the summer classic- white, for a versatile, contemporary yet feminine look.

Anita Dongre Menswear continues to be classic and elegant, following through her clean simple line from the debut menswear collection.  A classic range of bandhgalas, jackets, kurtas and dhotis crafted in Indian weaves take to the stage in hues of powder blue, white, creams and beige.