Paromita Banerjee – LFW Summer/Resort 2012
It was life on the street and the apparel of the common people that inspired Paromita Banerjee's collection "Haat" at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2012. Using the most exquisite fabrics like Indian cotton muslin in fine weaves, to coarser Khadi handlooms with resist and tie dyed techniques like Bandhani and Shibori; the designer also added Ikats from Orissa, with the yarn dyed prior to weaving. These were followed by the delicate Chanderi, Matka silk, Madras checks which were artistically brought together into a beauteous collection of Indo-western silhouettes. The show comprised kurtas, summer jackets, gehra skirts, pyjamas and delicate layered tunics. It was undoubtedly comfort clothing for the jet setting Indian women. The prints told a story all their own with hand blocks inspired by the 16th century chintz motifs from India and the fabulous Tree of Life design. These were creatively used as placement block prints on capes, skirts and kurtas; while the embroidery was kept minimal with just pretty buds and bel-buta appearing on the utterly feminine garments. Crushed pyjamas with long lean kurtas, tunics over shirts and skirts, shrugs, ankle length crimped empire line midi with jute waistcoat, a multi fabric printed sari, cross over blouse, double asymmetric mini with kimono, the scalloped edged printed bundi and the black panelled yoked midi were some of the highlights of the show. Trying her hand at men's wear for the first time, Paromita used white kora to warmer colours like sunflower yellow, orange, red, rust, grey, black and blue with hints of green for the fusion look for the Indian male. Double shirts were matched with textured pants, kurtas had giant Shibori circles and the dhoti worn with a self design kurta added an ethnic touch to the male wardrobe. Here was a collection by Paromita Banerjee that gave Indian fashion the right touches and will be a great hit with not only the country's fashion conscious but even the international buyers who long for stylish ethnic wear.
