Kolkata-based fashion label Hanshu has come up with a new capsule collection of chic party wear this summer. The label, headed by Neelanjana Bhattacharya, specialises in anti-fit silhouettes in handspun and handwoven silk, with hand block prints and minimal detailing.
“This particular collection has a fresh, youthful, feel to it. The collection has been curated, keeping in mind especially, how a woman of today, likes to dress up and what is trending globally,” says Neelanjana, a lawyer by training and an entrepreneur by profession. Neelanjana took over the responsibility of the hand-block printing business after her mother-in-law passed away and started the label- Hanshu- which means happiness.
The label is yet to complete a year and has come up with five collections so far, in unusual colours and a variety of prints, which is apt for resort wear and chic loungewear. “This summer I wanted to do something interesting with formal wear, so I decided to play with colours and used unusual combinations which would look good in summers. We have more than 1500 varieties of hand blocks, so we are never short of new designs or prints,” informs Neelanjana.
For those of you, who might be thinking silk to be a bad choice for summers, can rely on the lightweight all-weather Bengal silk. It is light on the skin, drapes over your form and looks glamorous, with the addition of minimum accessories. Neelanjana’s label, which is born out of a personal sense of style and innovation, takes after her own affinity for the Japanese aesthetics of ‘minimalism’.
“I personally love silhouettes that are fuss-free and easy to wear, yet trendy and youthful. Although I love to wear the same print, from head-to-toe, not everybody will be able to carry it” says, young entrepreneur. “But that does not stop us from creating a collection without any an age bracket. The label is apt for anyone, who has a laid back approach to fashion and yet makes her own style statement; somebody who is not dictated changing fashion trends,” she is quick to add.
You can find plenty of wrap dresses, jacket-style overlay with pants, calf-length dresses, jumpsuits and kaftans in animal prints, geometrical or paisley prints in shades of gold, pink, maroon and black. The collection especially explores Indian colours which look good on Indian skin. Hanshu combines something as traditional as silk and hand block prints, to create a line of western wear, which is simple but adds to the personality of a wearer.
“For me, fashion is all about confidence, something that comes from within. It’s not just about wearing great clothes or jewellery. It is more important to have a fashionable personality which is shaped up by what we feed our mind and soul,” says Neelanjana.
Available at Bombaim, AJC Bose Road
Starting price: Rs 8500