Gaurang Shah stages a sari revival

Feted textile revivalist and designer Gaurang Shah unveiled a new summer collection at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya on Wednesday afternoon. Actress Vidya Balan — who is often seen draped in Gaurang’s creations — was the special guest at the event. Along with Gaurang, two other labels — Bailou by Bappaditya Biswas and Vaya by Mira Sagar — also presented their lines. The designs of all three labels will be on display at the Coomaraswamy Hall of the CSMVS today.

Gaurang said his eponymous label, Bailou and Vaya had been brought together by “a common, hand-woven thread”, making the exhibition a “unique amalgamation of unseen Indian heritage weaves.”

“With over 800 saris in stunning traditional weaves to choose from, this event is not just for those who love their nine yards, but also for those women who are just taking their fledgling steps into this dazzling world,” the designer added.

He also said that his “love for weaves is eternal” and that his larger-than-life creations were brought to life by his 500+ weavers.

Vidya Balan said that labels like Vaya, Bailou and Gaurang are at the “forefront of a unique movement that endorses a fashion aesthetic that inspires the young modern Indian woman to don the sari, beyond those ‘special’ occasions”.