Mumbai: Patola is actually a type of Saree in Gujarat, but at Lakme India Fashion Week it was presented in a form of Indo-western dress. Also in display were Gujarat’s ‘Gali’ or indigo theme dresses here.

From the fashion studio of Gaurang, it was “Neel”, a captivating collection devoted to shades of indigo that dazzled on the ramp at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2018.

Gaurang’s labour of love for the “Neel” range lasted nearly 18 months as he merged his textile expertise with the timeless indigo hues, which have been in existence since 1750 BC in Mohenjo-Daro. Over the centuries till date, the indigo dye has been a fashion symbol in Indian textiles. Working tirelessly with the intricate process of indigo dyeing in the interiors of Gujarat, Gaurang at times spent 30 days to get a correct single shade.

With the hand spun yarns procured from different clusters in India, Gaurang innovated on his favourite weaving technique of Jamdaani and incorporated indigo in Kota, Benaras, Patan Patola, Paithani, Khadi, Kanjivaram and Dhaka weaves. Gaurang then added a profusion of block prints like Ajrakh, Dabu, Bagh, Bandhani, Shibori, Leheriya and Batia. The final touch was provided by embroidery starting with Chikankari, Kashidakari, Aari, Rabari, Kasuti, Parsi Gara and ended on Kantha.

DeshGujarat