With middle-eastern music blaring in the hall, models sashayed down the ramp showing off Kotwara's (Meera and Muzaffar Ali's label) Spring/Summer collection '07. The theme of the collection was Khattati.
The line incorporates both western and ethnic outfits. Tops range from kaftans to kurtas to choli-cut or cross-halter backless tops to richly embroidered long blouses with velvet collars. Skirts were both knee and ankle-length and the styles range from pencil to overlapping flares. The traditional kurta-pyjama-dupatta ensemble has also got an overhaul with ankle-length gararas in place of shalwars or churidaars.
The colours were many and varied – from the vivid and vibrant pinks and blues to pastels like sea-blues and greens. Most of the outfits sported rich kalamkari
prints which we expected from the royal couple. And we loved them too!
The most interesting innovation, however, was the intriguing use of Urdu alphabets as a motif. Kaftans, saris and kurtas had subtle depictions of nashtalique and tsuluth calligraphy. Made one remember all those funky tee-shirts that sported a word or few in Mandarin. The calligraphy is an excellent touch, particularly when appliquéd to sari pallas. Other embellishments were zardozi and kamdani work.
'We wanted to create pure design without any reference to their (the calligraphy) meaning,' stated the designers.
'We wanted to create pure design without any reference to their (the calligraphy) meaning,' stated the designers.
And it certainly worked!
Spotted:
Madhur Bhandarkar amid a host of international buyers.