Made in Assam mesmerises style stalwarts

It was a day dedicated to sustainable fashion and Indian textiles at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Winter/Festive 2016 and what better way to open the second day with a "Made in Assam" show titled 'Halodhi' where three top designers of the region enthralled the audience with their offerings.

The show on Thursday here started with designer Aditi Holani Chandak showcasing a line under her label Aagor by Ants Craft. To the strains of flute player Prabin Nath, the show opened with eight black and red meghla chadors that were breathtaking in their beauty and elegance.

To empower the women of the Bodo tribe, Aagor by ANTS Craft an NGO gave them the creative support they needed. Weaving fabulous textiles, the yards of fabrics that were turned into garments were stunning on the ramp.

The easy, relaxed shirt dress was worn with a long-sleeved shrug while a striped skirt and blouse were cool additions. Making a show stopping entry was Bollywood star Sarah-Jane Dias in a slashed multi-coloured skirt with a black blouse that gave the show the necessary pizzazz.

Next was Pranami Kalita for Pariah by Pranami. Making her debut at LFW W/F'16, the designer worked wonders with muga, eri and paat indigenous silks that are renowned in Assam and blended them with fabrics from other parts of India.
The show opened with a gorgeous white and gold lehenga-choli-dupatta trio, which was followed by a red and ivory long kurta and luxurious red silk stole.

Sleek pants, sheath with cape, one-shoulder gown and off-shoulder slim dresses kept the mood of the show high in fashion. Boleros and pleated skirts with cape blouses and the black-gold cross over kurta teamed with a lehenga added elegance to the line.

Adding traditional Assamese motifs to highlight the garments, the designer used embroidery and weaving techniques to create a romantic and feminine but sustainable look. Promoting 'Slow Design', which is hand made by local artisans, the collection was a tribute to craftspersons of the northeast region.

Also what stole the limelight was the showstopper dress in the form of brilliant electric blue silk and gold gown.Last was Anuradha Pedu for Naturally Anuradha -- who chose to start her show with traditional Assamese dance form called Sattriya by three youngsters -- Nupur, Nikita and Gunjan Talwar.

A treasure trove of saris, dupattas and scarves with models appearing on the ramp in a riot of colours. The splendour of the northeast states was visible in the stylish weaves that left the audience breathless.