Gaurang’s Calico pays homage to traditional weaves

Gaurang Shah has always made an effort towards reviving the dying textile arts of India. His Calico, on Day 2 Lakme Fashion Week, was yet another picture of this endeavour. It emphasises on the rich and vibrant history of Indian craftsmanship through a contemporary interpretation of the Tree of Life motifs. There was a touch of drama on the ramp as singer Manasi Scott set the tone with an unusual composition of an Indian jazz piece as the models gracefully sashayed the ramp. Gaurang showcased 40 collections in all, each crafted from hand-woven khadi, uppada and kota using the Jamdani technique. The exquisite Jamdani weave did the talking for all his saris and gowns. He combined khadi with muga and organza on some saris and the effect was mesmerising.

This line Calico, stands apart from Gaurang’s previous creations in how he plays around with textures and motifs, and not just technique. There’s a combination of elements in each creation, like for instance combining the Mughal floral motifs with paithini designs. The styling too evoked nostalgia — the saris were draped in the royal styles of 12 states and the gowns followed the silhouettes of the of the Belle Epoch period.