CHIC CHIKAN OPTIONS FOR THE ADVENTUROUS BRIDE
Asmita Aggarwal (HT City)

Muzaffar Ali, best known as the man who made Umrao Jaan and as someone who had an unsuccessful go at politics, is now concentrating on his LIFW collection to be showcased on August 7. Along with wife Meera, he launched their line, Kotwara, in ’90. “We felt chikankari needed a contemporary touch. So we set up a fashion studio in Kotwara to revive the magic of chikan,” says Meera.

Under the Kotwara label they’ll show a diffusion line (Rs 5,000-Rs 30,000) this time. “We’re giving an exciting option for adventurous brides. The emphasis is on colours – purple, orange, fuchsia and canary yellow,” says Meera. They’ve used chikan on georgette, chiffon and pure cotton.

“We’ve also mixed it with zardosi to give white chikan kurtas a new avatar. The kurta is teamed with straight pants or skirts, to go with long jackets or coats with high slits. The emphasis is on everyday use,” says Meera. The collection also has lehengas to be worn with the coats.

They have a small men’s line, comprising sherwanis and quilted pajamas. The 60 outfits to be showcased also include special weaves created in Maheshwar in collaboration with the organization REWA.

“Our scheme, Dwar Pe Rozi (employment at your doorstep) aims at generating rural employment,” says Meera, who retails from Carma, Khan Market. The couple is also opening a store on MG Road. “We want to keep traditional Indian craft alive and encourage artisans to change with the times,” she signs off.