Trust Megha Kanera to find a way to incorporate her favourite elements from nature into her designs. In her debut collection, the Mumbai-based designer explored a spectrum of natural hues by using plant and fruit-based dyes like indigo, madder, turmeric, alkanet and pomegranates. This time around, the reference to nature is more direct; prints of temple flowers like marigold, rajnigandha and bougainvillaea make up the leitmotifs of the handloom brand’s summer collection, Where the Wind Takes Us. “Nature has always influenced me. With each season, we look to experiment with a new aspect of it.”
Hand-illustrated, before being digitally manipulated, Where the Wind Takes Us is the three-year-old brand’s maiden attempt at digital printing. “There is, now, a new avenue for contemporary saris that are minimalistic, yet chic and can easily transition from day to night wear,” explains Megha, on the brand’s decision to use azo-free prints over hand embroidery. Pegging their design aesthetic on everyday chic, the NIFT New Delhi-graduate suggests pairing a heavy brocade blouse or heavy jewellery with the sari for a dressy occasion.
A colour palette dominated by shades of almond, beige and pale blue that compliment the wispy linen drapes, this collection attempts to paint a picture of blossoms being carried away by the wind. “Inspiration for the collection struck me during a visit to the Dadar flower market in Mumbai. I wanted to create the effect of flowers floating on these translucent saris.”
Opting to stay away from fashion cycles and trends as a method to reduce dead stock, collections at Nadiya Paar only extend as long as demand lasts. This means crafting limited edition pieces and working on semi-finished products that are ready to be printed and dispatched as per customer requirements. “Almost 75 per cent of our range uses korra or undyed fabric, this allows us to use the textile across seasons.” In alignment with these sustainable values and Megha’s attempts to revive pit loom weaving across the country, the 39-year-old works with artisans from Bengal, Bhagalpur and Benares and will be adding Chanderi to her repertoire as part of an upcoming festive line.
Rs 10,000 onwards. Nadiya Paar’s collection, Where the Wind Takes Us will be on display at Kanakavalli. On June 14, 15 and 16.