Kalanamak is one of the finest rice in India, grown at the foothills of the Terai belt in Siddarth Nagar for centuries. It is fabled that when Buddha was passing through the Bajha jungle, he was stopped at the Matha village by the people to whom he gave the rice he was carrying as ‘Prasad’. This tale is so integrated into the culture that Anurag Gupta, as a child thought it was a common children’s story. It was only later that he discovered the stories he grew up listening to are losing their polish, much like the raw black husk of the rice is dying into ignorance.

It was a personal journey to then inculcate elements of this profound history of farmers and of his community into the Khadi collection. Motifs of rice sheafs adorned white floating garments, a lightweight soliloquy to the ironic endeavor laden with struggle.

Returning to our roots with an emphasis on Khadi, contemporary silhouettes lined the show, going street with crisp lines, balancing chic with a sartorial approach. Transported to European ease with the effortless, intriguing frames, the garments created a sophisticated niche with stalks of rice and local embroidery edging the flow of asymmetrical hemlines.

The revival of ‘Kalanamak’ in the unpolished threads of Khadi stands in solidarity with the depth of thought that has gone into each design, from the hues of a clear blue sky and minimal lines of a khet on a basic, breezy canvas.

Anurag Gupta as a label brings the artistic expression of today to the tales of the past, cultivating a profound appreciation for the black pearl of Uttar Pradesh.

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.