Taking the brocade path

Designers tell Sujata Reddy about their tryst with the fabric.

Designers swear by brocade. It can infuse life into an anorexic figure or hide the tyres of a plump body. Brocade — shuttle woven fabrics — is crafted in coloured silks. Its richer cousins have gold and silver threads infused in them. Arshiya Fakih Eappen, known for her western creations is gungho about brocade.

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“The fabric is mostly found on Indian creations but is increasingly being used as part of western silhouettes too,” says Eappen whose designs have plenty of brocade accents, in forms of embellishments and patches. However, she dissuades you from donning an entire brocade garment for an outing in the day.. especially in Mumbai.

For that fit Corsets look divine in brocade, says Eappen while designer Kaanch Advani advocates its use as borders to salwar kameezes, cut-outs on chiffon and georgette dupattas, and to enhance the neckline.

“Go for brocade that is in contrast to the fabric you are teaming it with.. pink-grey, brown-orange, beige-blue.. the works. Don’t restrict the fabric to just clothes. A dash of brocade can give your home a facelift when included in pillow covers, throws and curtains,” Advani advocates.

Tarana Masand calls brocade the queen of Indian textiles.. a magical fabric that can compliment any fabric. “As a designer, I find brocade very enriching. Many a times, while at the fabric store, I’m inspired by the use of colour in the weave,” says Masand suggesting to use brocade as a trim, to give a garment an elegant finishing touch. Touché.