When we arrived at Banjara Hills-based design studio Creative Bee a few days ago for a chat with textile revivalist, Bina Rao, we anticipated a rather hurried conversation. The designer had been working with a bunch of weavers from Telangana in association with United Nations Development Program to help them set up their small businesses. However, watching her work, is an interesting experience and a first for us.
The latest collection that has hit the shelves in Creative Bee is titled, ‘New Ikat,’ and as the name suggests, the handlooms hark back on traditions and the cuts are both runway and cocktail-party worthy. For almost two decades now, the much-revered designer has been trying to make handloom contemporary, chic, affordable and “also machine-washable,” she mentions. Amid the hustle-bustle of the fittings, she invites professor Janki Mistry who was around to try out one of her latest outfits for us so we can understand the silhouettes better.
The trendy ensemble comprises a crop top, a jacket and a palazzo that flares out into a skirt. In this collection, “I have used Telia Rumal, a double ikat weave from Andhra Pradesh. Also, you can expect ikat from Uzbekistan, Central Asia which is known for their bold, vibrant colours,” says the founder of Creative Bee, adding, “The kind of designs are quite stylised; for instance, the outfit Janki showcases is perfect for a high-tea or a cocktail evening too.” The silhouettes are chiefly long, flowy and semi-formal in nature. The colour palette is arranged in a ‘Dawn to Dusk’ theme — dawn, for instance, is a daytime palette that comprises peach, burnt orange and vibrant yellow, while the latter features maroon, blacks and burgundy. You can also shop for ikat saris with well-styled blouses crafted from filature silk.
Rs 2,500 onwards for tunics.