Made In Assam

'Made in Assam' was an all-out success at Lakme Fashion Week 2016

The show had fashion presentations of three designers from Assam, who showcased their talents in a unique way, each bringing to life the varied style influences of the region.

The silks and fabrics of Assam have long caught the attention of discerning fashionistas, and so it was natural that the 'Made in Assam' show at the Lakme Fashion Week winter/festive 2016 held in Mumbai was an all-out success.

The show befittingly opened the Sustainable Fashion and Indian Textiles Day at the event. The show opened with the traditional Assamese dance form called 'Sattriya' that was performed by three young dancers - Nupur, Nikita and Gunjan Talwar - in an upbeat through the collection.

NATURALLY ANURADHA

This was followed by the fashion presentations of three designers from Assam, who showcased their talents in a unique way, each bringing to life the varied style influences of the region. The show began with a celebration of Assamese saris as seen in the collection by designer Anuradha Pegu under her label 'Naturally Anuradha', which featured silks like Endi, Muga and Nuni as well as spun and pure cotton.

PARIAH BY PRANAMI

The beauty of these fabrics is that they were treated with 100 per cent vegetable dyes like turmeric, lac, iron, harda and manjistha. The line-up included saris in a rich palette like yellow, brown and blue gold draped in traditional style. Celebrating the luxury of silk in an understated way, designer Pranami Kalita debuted on the runway with her label 'Pariah by Pranami' with a collection featuring Muga, Eri and Pat silks blended with fabrics from other regions of India.

The designs combined lightly handwoven fabric in ivory, gold and red with smart traditional styles. Silhouettes included lehenga-choli-dupatta sets, sheaths with capes and even off-shoulder dresses. VJ Gaelyn Mendonca walked the ramp for the label, dressed in a smart electric blue silk jumpsuit with traditional pink boota design, which took 45 days to weave.

AAGOR BY ANTS CRAFT

In contrast, designer Aditi Holani Chandak brought to fore a fuss-free aesthetic with her label 'Aagor by Ants Craft' that is working to empower the Bodo tribe. The presentation took place to the strains of flute player Prabin Nath, and opened with eight beautiful black and red Mekhela chadors. The ensembles were free-flowing and minimal, including long skirts, trousers, scarves and more.

Actress Sarah Jane Dias walked as the showstopper, dressed in a deep brown collared shirt with a shredded maxi skirt with her hair left natural and tied in a half up half down style.