From pearl and crystal-embellished beauties that ooze elegance and romantic vibes to all-traditional effortless looks, we have seen almost all of the varied styles but weddings this season would no longer be about glitz and bling, the brides want to wear clothes which are breathable, light-weight and sophisticated, that’s why they are opting for fabrics such as mul, muga, summer silk, tussar or even regenerated fabrics for the easy-breezy vibe, welcoming the return of the handicrafts with the silhouettes that can adapt ever-changing versatile trends. Rewinding or inheriting the sarees from our mothers and grandmothers and recycling them to create trousseau pieces is one of the aspects of sustainability, keeping the traditions on-going and the weaves alive for generations holding onto the emotional regards. The intimate weddings would surely allow us to take things up with simplicity in a contemporary style, not going bold with either outfit, makeup, or jewellery. The ethnic yet ravishing look can be achieved if we go simple and moderate paired with classic jewellery and OTT make-up.
We usually love seeing the new trends that determine the photos of the weddings, even when we are not engaged we take pleasure in pouring over the arrangements. For quite some time now, weddings have been following the design sensibility that makes them well-photographed, now fashion too has to be ready for the makeover especially as the weddings are going micro. The couples are not just keeping up with the styles and colours but are fulfilling their responsibilities towards nature too with the environment on the top of their minds, concentrating on every detail, not just bridal sets but from food to decoration, focusing on the things that matter and celebrating it in a meaningful, personal way. ]]>
As we collectively move towards another two weeks in lockdown, the earth has pressed a pause button on most of our personal and professional lives. The Fashion Industry as we know it no longer exists. As global financial markets tumble, non-essential markets shut their doors and consumers lock themselves indoors under government directives, the humankind has come to a standstill. As an industry, we witnessed shocks to supply chains and sales. Stocks are down and retail markets struggle to keep their employees on the payroll. We now have an industry in front of us that needs to be built from the ground up. It’s time to redesign and reimagine our business models as producers and revaluate our decisions as consumers. Since we have to start over again, we can do it right this time.
The fashion industry is particularly problematic due to its swivel-eyed pace of change that it not only undergoes but also promotes. It encourages consumers to buy into styles to stay on-trend. As a result, we as fashion consumers contribute to 4% of the world’s waste each year. As an industry, we contribute to 10% of the global carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater. Fashion sucks up more energy than both aviation and shipping combined.
The question that now arises, is that how do we as consumers start over? How do we get it right? How do we make use of all this time we have to rethink our decisions? Shopping resale is both sustainable and better for the environment. Thrift shopping helps the planet and your cool factor. The saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is now truer than ever.
COVID-19 can live on and thus be passed through used and pre-owned items. It is this stigma that can affect the future of the resale industry. This puts us all in a pickle, but is it warranted? It is preferable to shop resale if not advised with the right precautions being taken. It’s time for both sellers and consumers to be more proactive about cleaning and disinfecting items. Wash garments in the hottest water recommended for the fabric, wipe your shoes and bags with alcohol wipes as soon as you purchase them. It is important to take all the necessary precautions.
In light of the events, it’s wiser to shop from hobbyist sellers like Etsy, Instagram pages, and online resellers as it not only provides them with an income but is safer for you as compared to big box stores that have a large number of touchpoints.
In this new post -COVID-19 world the factors that need to be considered before making your new purchase have changed. It’s not about “Can I buy this from a Thrift store?” anymore. It is more about considering questions like “What do I need?”, “Can I make this on my own?”, “How much use will I get out of this?”, “Do I have a substitute?”, “Can this be borrowed?”, and so on. Numerous questions based on lifestyle choices need to be considered if we wish to start over right.
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Priyanka Raajiv endeavors to intertwine the threads of this connection that transcends time and weave a story within traditional handloom fabric. A parallel softness lies in the narrative of restoration: it is done carefully with the expert skill of artisans who have learned the craft from their grandparents.
The Indian fashion designer began imbibing upcycling from day 1 into the brand philosophy and gave it a signature touch. The modern woman yearns for a continuation of intuitively structured pieces while metamorphosis takes place with millennial sensibilities. Bringing about this balance of perspective in a saree or a lehenga is intricate work, taking minute details to give the antiquity an artistic finesse.
Taking a 100-year-old Paithani saree or a 30-year-old kurta that is worn out and adorning it to create eloquent pieces of urban shade is a skill that revolves around the fourth R of sustainability- repurpose. A grandmother or a mother-in-law cherishes the memories tied into the loom of each saree, each lehenga that they have doned as a kaleidoscopic shrine of their life.
To pass this on, Priyanka Raajiv consults her clients with a honed knowledge of silhouettes and fabrics, writing biographies into a restoration, like a family repository hidden in its essence. The soul of this process lies in the translation of retaining the exclusivity of a piece while using antique zardozi, sequins, and embroidery to reveal the deliberate rarity of the original fabric.
Roop has been an essential part of Priyanka Raajiv label since it’s conception, curated with an eco-conscious mindset, storytelling within a garment’s unrestricted flow: a tale of transformation.
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Through the sheer flow, the detailed work sifts through sequins, embroidery, and mirrorwork to bring a glaze to a simple fabric. Handpicked fabrics wrap around like a breezy conversation, with the casual ease of a long-standing appreciation.
The unique aesthetic seeps in, enhancing the occasion, and making the outfit a show-stopper for the festive season. The handcrafted designs are deliberately interactive, versatile in their movement, and eye-catching in the structure.
The architecture of the ensembles is a Zaha Hadid reflection, with curves and twists, a meticulously crafted grandeur. Framed in a glamorous adaption and creation, Arsheen Sabherwal refines luxury with a gold plated algorithm, designing the essence of Indian royalty.
A glimmer of Arsheen Sabherwal introduces the label as a joyous celebration with a deeper significance behind the scenes.
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At Navya, the past and the future are threaded together; Indian culture edging onto western styles, flourishing in the essence of individuality. Amita Adlakha, the founder of Navya, believes that on Chanderi silk and pure cotton, the added hand embellishments of sequins and beads make the artisans valued work stand out in synchronization with the hand-printed work.
Navya as a brand, endeavors to adorn the hues of Indian artistry, to gather the handmade stories of hand block printing, imprinting them with fresh perspectives.
The recognition of an age-old craft gives the admirer a bright outlook, a better understanding of where this evergreen art comes from.
A collaboration of the old with the new is what Navya stands for. ‘Navya’, a word for this nouvelle mode, suits the brand perfectly as it embodies the technique which has it’s rooted in the salt marshes of Kutch, adopting it on bold and modern silhouettes of today.
Dipped in ink of indigo and iron blend, this printing showcases poetic equilibrium. Using an incredible variety in a single form, their handcrafted design placements create a symphony of lightly layered prints and dark block imprints.
Bringing back to life local Rajasthani craft, Navya’s design philosophy suggests a vibrant outlook to a classic style.
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