Architha Narayanam’s new collection is all about embracing the darkness within and sporting black

Even if pastels are trending as the mercury soars, black will always be black and I will always love it,” says designer Architha Narayanam. Hence, the predominant colour is just that for her latest prêt collection titled, Black. “There’s a certain idea of the power that I have always associated with the colour black, that’s the kind of what I wanted to project through these designs,” says the city-based designer. That’s a rather unusual choice during the summers, we think! Architha admits that for her summers are all about experimenting — so the cuts are dramatic, expect blouses with triangular edges, and even pallus with ruffles.

The ensembles are crafted from crepe silk, chiffon, georgettes, organza, satins with rich lace detailing. Although the predominant colour remains black, it is often interspersed by a few other shades such as purple, lavender, lime green, peach, blue. 

We also spotted motifs in black with floral and linear abstract motifs. There are a few lehengas in peach which have black motifs all over to stay true to the theme.“I imagined my muse to be a diva who can sport dark colours with elan and confidence,” adds the designer, who just stocked up her Banjara Hills studio with these new designs. The cuts are more on the experimental side with flared and draped dresses, pants, saris and gowns. The top pick though is draped sari skirt with a crop top and a grey layered sari with a beautiful full blouse crafted from lace.

Rs 18,500 onwards.