For the children in Bengal, memories of their nap times often bring back the recurrent character of ‘bagh mama’ from the folklore, which loosely translates into tiger uncle. It is a fierce creature, akin to the character in nursery rhyme Wee Willie Winkie which haunts errant kids if they don’t sleep. Label Debashri Samanta’s new collection, titled ‘Baghmama,’ is based on a fierce tiger like that. “The Royal Bengal tiger from Sunderbans, not only embodies the true spirit of the wild but is sensuous at the same time. That’s what inspired the designs,” says Luxembourg-based Debashri, who flies down to Kolkata often to oversee the process of production as her label is based there.
The collection was recently launched in city-based multi-designer store, Anonym. The former alumnus of National Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai shares that while shopping from this line, one can spot trendy separates crafted with ethnic fabrics and motifs. There’s an array of wearable fluid dresses with drapes in khadi blends and more-fitted ensembles in tussar silk. Expect to shop for draped dresses in muga silk and tops that can be paired with distressed jeans or tights. You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion.
The other highlight are the kantha stitches that have been used on the outfits that emulate the stripes of the tiger. The dramatic cuts of the outfits are balanced by the soothing colour palette predominantly comprising purple with occasional appearances of grey and ecru. Tiny artisanal details like handmade tassles provide an edgy relief.
Rs 8,500 onwards.