Bani
Bani

By the hand: Bespoke sari label Bani comes to Kochi

Showcasing a collection of 50 hand embroidered saris, Arpita’s day-long exhibition in Kochi will specialise in natural fabrics ranging from pure silks to handloom.

When it was revealed that Delhi-based author Manju Kapur’s closet houses over 200 variants of saris from across the country, news spread like wildfire on Indian social media. A closer look into the world of collectors would reveal profiles like Lucknow-based Manju Jalota—who has been forefront in saving the craft of chikankari. This week, Kochi is getting ready to meet a person of the same calibre. Arpita Guha Thakurta, a Bengali designer who’s better known by the name of her bespoke brand Bani, is both excited and apprehensive as she curates her first exhibition in Kochi. “Despite having established the brand in 1977, Bani has been confined to Kolkata. We’re slowly expanding to other cities through pop ups  as of now,” explains the 60-something,who’s been hosted by Fabindia in cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

Drape central
Showcasing a collection of 50 hand embroidered saris, Arpita’s day-long exhibition will specialise in natural fabrics ranging from pure silks to handloom. Noted for its colour schemes and embroideries, her pieces are hand done over months. “Detailing on these saris could be stitches ranging from chikankari to kantha, but the uniqueness is ensured through colour schemes that make them stand out,” shares the designer, who swears by her love for nature-inspired motifs (think florals). A staunch supporter of the ‘one-of-a-kind’ designs, Arpita has strong opinions about the ‘collection-oriented’ culture that’s generally seen in the industry. “Special efforts are made by us to prevent the repetition of designs,” adds Arpita, who’ll be taking her brand to Hyderabad in the next couple of months.

On August 5. At Avenue Center, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi.
From 11 am to 8 pm. `5,000 onwards 
Details: 9645999946

 

Related Stories

No stories found.
Indulgexpress
www.indulgexpress.com