Breezy silhouettes and comfortable cuts mark Brass Tacks’ summer line

It’s BEEN 10 years since designer Anaka Narayanan launched Brass Tacks. Now, for the first time, the label is moving away from its original fitted look and towards cuts that are easy and relaxed. But why the sudden change, we ask, especially when every other label being launched is following the same 
recipe? “We’ve been getting a lot of feedback from customers and well-wishers saying that they love our cuts, but for some reason the fits don’t work for many body types. I also feel that it takes talent to cut a garment that’s shapely but still not fitted. The vibe that garments like these exude is relaxed, and it allows the wearer to feel comfortable in her own skin,” explains Anaka, adding that the collection is the result of motivation rather than inspiration. 

The Chennai-based designer’s goal was to create a small line of silhouettes that are relaxed, breezy, and easy to throw on. “At first, I wanted an all-kora line (kora is the word for unbleached, undyed cotton). But some of the silhouettes needed a bit of colour, so I expanded the palette to include natural indigo and madder (red) dyes,” she  says. 

As always, the label celebrates handwoven cotton with this line. The fabric, khadi, has been specially designed for Brass Tacks in collaboration with an artisan development organisation in Andhra and Telangana. Kora forms the main colour while indigo, madder, black and grey pop up across jumpsuits, dhoti-inspired pants, wrap-waist slacks, boxy tunics and dresses. 

Rs.1,500 upwards. At 12th Main, Indiranagar. Details: 40958201