Rooted in heritage

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Rooted in heritage

Saturday, 27 July 2019 | Dhruvika Bhanot

Rooted in heritage

Dhruvika Bhanot brings a ringside view of the fourth day of the Indian Couture Week where lush designs dominated while a dialogue was initiated to protect the same

The modern bride, like the artists of Renaissance, is both traditional and classic. And designers Shyamal and Bhumika found their sense in that period of creativity to put out a line inspired by Florence. “It is our love for history, exploration of palaces and textiles that we wanted to show in our couture line collection,” said Bhumika.

Though they believe in modernity through garments, the essence of their style is firmly rooted in heritage. The fabrics used for the assortments were handmade and matka silks. They used beautiful tools, drapes and patterns. “Our signature thread embroidery has a lot of contrast multi-colour with hints of sparkle and the collection is richly embellished. These are the techniques we have been trying since a very long time, and it is all about taking India to the world.” 

The designers, progressive in their approach, express that a Shyamal Bhumika woman is “modern, adventurous and contemporary.” She is well-travelled yet firmly rooted. “That’s what the brand is about, taking India to the world through the use of fabric.”

The colours of the collection did not deviate from conventional wedding colours. Shades of deep reds, greens were a common spectacle among the lighter hues of beige and ivory. Kriti Sanon, who has walked the ramp for the label during her modelling days, closed the show for the designer duo. She wore a beige raw silk lehenga. Bhumika described its details, “Raw silk is one of our favourite fabrics for bridal wear. The lehenga draws inspiration from the beautiful scenes in frescoes and the architectural details of the Renaissance period, so a lot of watercolour effect has been given to the embroidery. Shimmer, sparkles, sequins with glass pipes along with the 30-40 colours of thread have been used here in different shades of pink, blue and ivory.”

It’s the duo’s third year at the Indian Couture Week and it’s certainly not the first time for Sanon as well. She was nostalgic while describing the experience of the night. “While I was coming down the escalator, I realised I had taken it many, many times when I was a model. I used to come here and do my fittings and rehearsals. The excitement and the nervousness are still the same as is the rush backstage.” 

Bhumika said that Sanon is their modern woman. “When we were conceptualising the outfit, we knew it could not be something regular. We conceived this look especially for her.” The blouse that she wore was one of a kind, modern garment. It had one sleeve and had a puff on it.

About her outfit, Sanon said, “I absolutely love what I am wearing. I feel Bhumika and I have telepathy as whenever I have worn her outfits, it always felt like they suit me, my body and my complexion. The sleeve of the blouse is so different, it has one shoulder and it’s got a little puff as well. This outfit is fun, its modern and perfectly designed for today’s girl who wants to be comfortable while looking beautiful.”

Their inspiration may have been drawn from Italian artistry but Shyamal and Bhumika guarantee absolute support to the Skill India campaign. “We are blessed with people who need employment, and they are already skilled. Second, we want the next generation of artisans to be interested in their work and not just sit at a desk job and forget what their previous generations have been doing. Artistry is the true treasure of our country, if we lose that it’s a problem.” The label has also maintained the foundation of sustainability. “All our products are biodegradable. Most of our work is done by hand, which generates a lot of employment.”             

Photo: Pankaj Kumar

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