All things floral have become the mainstay of Mumbai-based label Nadiya Paar’s design vocabulary. For her debut collection, designer Megha Kanera explored dyes made from flowers, while her previous summer collection, was inspired by the Dadar flower market in Mumbai. Set to unveil her new wedding/resort wear collection, Forget Me Not follows a similar aesthetic while exploring a newer gamut of indigenous Indian blooms as motifs.
Print parade
Inspired by the sari catalogues of the late ’80s and early ’90s — the era of the wispy poly-silk drape that was dominated by juxtaposing floral screenprints — the collection’s primary focus is on building a strong print language. “While Gen Next loves their share of heirloom Benaresis and Kanjeevarams, not a lot of them are open to investing in heavily embellished saris. There is now an emerging market for contemporary drapes 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 of flowers like mogra, amaltas and desi gulaab over hand embroidery — an attempt the label ventured into during their last season.
Lightness of being
Expanding their horizons by including other weaving clusters into the fold, Nadiya Paar that has so far worked with artisans from Bengal, Bhagalpur and Benares, has added Chanderi to their repertoire with this line. “We had made multiple trips over three to four months to Chanderi and to create this super-light cotton-silk blend,” shares Megha, talking about the saris that weigh as little as 100 grams.
Besides from the saris that are available as part of a preview at Collage, Megha Kanera is also showcasing a range of crochet blouses, satin crop tops, cotton tulles and sheer tunics that can be paired up with the saris.
Rs 12,000 onwards. At Collage.