Jumpsuits or day dresses inspired from the stripes on a classic Kanjeevaram sari could be an unusual combination. But Chennai-based label, Brass Tacks which launched its Fall/ Winter 2017 collection has found a way to bring these unusual designs together. Creative director Anaka Narayanan says, “While gazing at old cotton Kanjeevaram saris, the patterns that really stood out were irregular and woven stripes along the warp and weft (components used in weaving) to form grids or checks”. However, she is quick to add that, even though she was inspired by the patterns in those classics she chose not to confine herself to Kanjeevaram textiles. The fabrics she has used are khadi cotton, handwoven cotton and cotton-silk, silk, Ballakami in cotton, and Mashru (satin weave with cotton) which allowed her the required freedom she wanted to play with motifs like stripes, squares, grids and rectangles. The collection is available on their online site.
Versatile fits
The latest collection that has also recently been launched in the Chennai and Bangalore-based outlets features a mix of tailored pieces and drapey ones as well. Known for their versatile fits well-suited to Indian body types, the label enjoys a consistent following.This time, one can shop for day dresses, jumpsuits woven from Malkha handwoven cotton, pencil pants made from the Ballakami fabric (with a perfect waist-to-hip ratio that works well for curvy women), a drapey dress tailored from pale, metallic gold silk, and shirts that manage a fine balance between professional and artistic in this collection.
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Back to classics
The colour palette includes warm hues such as charcoal, weathered gold, ivory and mehendi. The highlight of the collection, Anaka promptly says, “The fabrics I’m most excited about are the Ballakami weave and the Muthu Kattu woven fabric,” says the founder of the label, adding, although the Ballakami weave (means good weft in Telugu) has nothing to do with Kanjeevaram textiles, the third shuttle weft technique reminded her of the depth one often sees in borders of Kanjeevaram saris to work with it. “The Muthu Kattu weave (broken stripes) is a modern rendition of a weave found in one of my mother’s old cotton saris so it's particularly special to me,” she concludes with a tinge of nostalgia in her voice.
Rs 2,000 onwards