Arti Bagdi’s showcase Collezione houses all the essentials you need for this festive season

Prêt, couture and even bespoke designer wear — there’s something for everyone at the two-day festive pop-up called Collezione. Hosted by Arti Bagdy, this showcase starting today at the Crowne Plaza will see the participation of 50 brands — 10 of whom are fine jewellers — from across the country.  And what’s more, the exhibition will have a section dedicated to housing a range of varied Indian hand embroideries, from Lucknowi chikankari, kamdani, kantha and more, on saris and dupattas. On September 6 and 7. 10 am onwards. At Crowne Plaza.

Heritage tripping
Among the brands coming to the city for the first time is New Delhi-based brand Mirari. Inspired by The Jewels of India (an exhibition of rare jewellery from the Nizam’s household), designer Mira Gulati began working on her new collection, Nizam Reinvented earlier in April, this year. “The line has not yet launched and Chennai will be the first market to see it,” says Mira. Drawing from Islamic motifs, jaali, paisleys and phulpattis remain the central motifs, while coloured stones like tanzanite, emeralds and pearls alongside diamonds and polki find extensive use in the line. Rs 50,000 onwards.
 

Saturation point
Mumbai-based designers Rahul Anand and Anushka Laul, who made their debut at Lakmé Fashion Week, will be bringing their latest ready-to-wear line to the city. Titled Ombre, the collection is a stark contrast to their previous lines — God must be crazy and God made me funky — with judicious use of colour and embellishments. “For the festive line, we have kept away from experimental cuts and colours,” Rahul says with a laugh. “As the name suggests, the collection organically blends one hue with another.” Expect to see flowy dresses, jumpsuits, saris, and lehengas in dupion, georgette, crepe and silk. Rs 9,000 onwards.

Branching out
Mayu Kothari’s love for customised apparel was the inspiration behind the inception of her four-year-old brand S Mayu. So, finding novel ways to create unique, bespoke pieces wasn’t a stretch by any imagination. Starting by experimenting with draped silhouettes like batwing sleeves and dhoti skirts, the Pearl Academy graduate went on to design her own line of motifs, from cats and flamingoes to gramophones and wine glasses, incorporating them into her collections. “We are always looking for ways to stand out from other brands. Quirky motifs, experimental leather and cutadana embroidery have become our signature styles,” says Mayu. Trademark motifs, jewelled hues and contemporary silhouettes — shirts, jumpsuits and structured dresses form the crux of Mayu’s design aesthetic. Rs 15,000 onwards.

Home coming
Designer Jehan Gupta from Jaipur is all for championing the craftsmanship of Rajasthan. So much so, that each of the brand’s collection incorporates either tie and dye, kota doria or gota patti work — all of which finds its origins in Rajasthan. “You will see a lot of floral motifs and bright hues in the collection, Bageecha that will be showcased in Chennai,” says Jehan, who primarily uses Chanderi, silks and mulmul. Offering a fusion line, expect to see mix and match sets like anarkalis with pants and saris with bomber jackets as part of the 60 pieces festive line. Rs 6,000 onwards.