Designer Neeta Lulla’s latest collection is an ode to Kanjeevaram and Kalamkari

PRESS RELEASE

Inspired by the traditional craft, festive wear gets a new edge

Ever since the inception of the weave, Kanjeevaram has been worn in its original or print form, which is the basic sari. Used on special occasions it symbolizes a tradition, elegance and timelessness. Inspired by the art form, Neeta Lulla has focused on reinventing Kanjeevaram and Kalamkari by giving it a chic, contemporary and edgy look for the festive season. With the fusion of traditional culture and modern fashion, the collection presents a regal and vibrant outlook.

The collection uses traditional weaves of Kanjeevaram and the age old technique of hand painting that is Kalamkari and transforms them into contemporary designs teamed with various fabric textures. With the Kalamkari collection, Neeta pays patronage to an Indian art that needs no introduction. The line is constructed into simple silhouettes and embellished with appliqué of Kanjeveram or Kalamkari on rich silks, organza and chiffons. The well crafted dresses, skirts, cropped tops, multi-gored kurtas, lehangas and saris come in an assorted palette of colours, keeping with the richness that exudes from the Kalamkari and Kanjevaram. Says Neeta of her designs, “I am glad that my Indian creations; especially my tribute to the Kalamkari and Kanjeevaram art forms have been so well accepted and noticed. Indian clothes demand more creativity and attention. With these designs I have attempted to bring together our cultural heritage and our modern outlook.”

The prints of Kalamkari is attired it with lots of French laces, georgettes coupled with lavish velvet cutwork borrowed from the Renaissance period. In order to credit a heritage touch, Neeta Lulla has coloured her ensemble in shades of deep red, gold, Persian green and rust. Traditional kundan and metal work on brocades of Banaras and chiffon added a sensuous quality to the fabric and texture of her creation. The collection takes on an exploratory route by introducing Kalidar floor-length kurtas teamed with printed bodices and sleeves, mermaid tail lehengas, printed skirts, velvet cholis complimented with lace boleros for that tinge of archaic elegance. The collection is an amalgamation of Kalamkari’s rich inspirations of renaissance and a modern take to the overall ensemble. The intricate prints form a celebratory ensemble for a festive or matrimonial occasions. Bringing together contemporary designs with this age old technique, maintaining the ethnicity of the craft.