Sonam Dubal and Jason Cheriyan reveal how travel shaped their A/W collections

Head to Amethyst Room as designers Sonam Dubal and Jason Cheriyan showcase a range of clothing from the Autumn/Winter collections, both of which are inspired by travel and adventure. 

Follow the map
Sonam Dubal’s Autumn/Winter collection, Marco Polo retraces the steps of the legendary explorer along the silk route and through various regions and cities in Asia including China. The core idea of the collection, Sonam says, was to take elements from the silk route — the various textiles and block print techniques — that were in use and reimagine them on contemporary silhouettes. “The canvas is inspired by the Orient and Marco Polo’s nomadic lifestyle. For example, we have used ikat prints and hand blocks with pomegranates, lamps, floral and nomadic motifs on Indo-Asian silhouettes. One of my favourite pieces is a black and orange floral embroidery cape. The peonies on the cape look like they are hand-painted,” he says, adding that it is best paired over a silk dress.

Keeping in mind the festive theme of the season, the collection will showcase about 40-50 pieces in a colour palette of blue, gold, maroon and black in fabrics such as silk, georgette, velvet and wool. Featuring the brand’s signature kaftans, kimono-inspired jackets, capes, tops, pants and dresses, Marco Polo also uses mirror work embroidery combined with vintage gold zardozi. From `4,500 onwards. Also, meet the designer on December 20 at 11 am.

Postcards from far away
In an attempt to bring his travel journals to life, Bengaluru-based designer Jason Cheriyan decided to revisit the memories, postcards and photographs that documented his journies. “Central to the collection are ensembles that are comfortable and can be worn on the go, and are still classy,” says the designer, adding that the garments come with travel essentials like lined pockets. Drawing inspiration from memories of his travel to Hampi, the collection translates the uneven landscape into abstract textures through machine embroidery techniques. “I believe there is an artisanal quality to machine embroidery 
as well, this winter collection explores this understated aspect 
of artistry.”

Expect to find a collection of dresses, wraps, jackets, trousers and scarves in shades of deep red, black, forest green and midnight blue in a range of natural fabrics. Letting us in on his signature piece from the collection, Jason picks a black evening gown called Evening Seals, “It is an all-black piece, with intense embroidery. You could pair this up with diamond studs and be set for an evening out.” Starts at Rs 6,750.

Collections available until the end of the months.