Anita Dongre amalgamated functionality and fashion. By Angela Paljor
Marking the sixth day of the India Couture Week, Anita Dongre showcased her Winter 2017 collection titled Tree of love, inspired by nature and a back-to-the roots philosophy.
With live Sufi music by Deveshi Sahgal and her band, the evening started with a ramp decorated with khejri metallic trees adorned in the backdrop of Rajasthan.
Her collection paid homage to the Bishnoi community’s spiritual connect with nature and saw the extensive use of intricate weaves and embroideries. “The Bishnoi tribe is most recognised for Amrita Devi and her village’s sacrifice to save thekhejri trees in the region. It’s this dedication and identification with nature that inspired me to both design this collection and plant a forest of 25,000 trees in the Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan,” shared Dongre.
Her designs were made keeping in mind today’s confident and radiant women. The collection was an amalgamation of traditional weaves, exquisite embroideries with silhouettes influenced by contemporary styles for both brides and grooms. Beautiful SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association) embroidered tabards were styled with tulle skirts, Mushroo and hand-embroidered tea-length dresses shared stage with exquisite gota patti lehengas. “They are the artisans who work in the villages. It’s the first time that they have worked on a couture line for me,” she shared.
Every ensemble told the story of nature in hues of blue, rich maroons, inky black, and a stunning emerald green. But what stood out the most was the introduction of obi belts to hold drapes, embroidered flat shoes and cross-body potli bags that offer a bride the space to enjoy her day rather than look after her dress.
The outfits were complemented by her fine jewellery label, Pink City known for the uncut diamonds. Starting with a contemporary presentation of minimal jewelry, the show built up to resplendent bridal couture with layered pieces.
Grooms wore traditional sherwanis, “classic and perfect for Indian weddings.” The collection was a perfect balance between elegance and comfort. The designer made a strong statement with the showstopper look in traditional red flanked by her bridesmaids in classic gold. Children in white halter neck gowns and a little boy in white kurta and dhoti with a Nehru jacket completed the trail.
Dongre feels that the collection was a reflection of her childhood memories, summers in the garden with her grandfather and the spiritual reverence for nature that the Bishnoi tribe shares. “I’ve married together my love for trees, rich Indian craftsmanship and music into one collection making this a true work of joy,” she added.
