Krishna Mehta works magic with Manipuri handlooms at LFW

The presentation opened with the melodious sounds of a flute and then went into the vibrant songs of Manipur’s folk music with a live band – Nadabrahma of Imphal providing the perfect beats for the models.

For Krishna, working with fabrics from different states of India has given her immense creative satisfaction in the past. Putting her designing skills to work with the Manipur Government’s Department of Commerce and Industries; the fusion line crafted by weavers of Imphal, Manipur was a glorious offering to lovers of Indian textiles.

The hand-woven traditional and tribal weaves in silk; wool and tweed were showcased in rich hues of cobalt, crimson, red, fuchsia, orange and purple. There was layering that was subtle, while silhouettes like long sophisticated jackets and feminine skirted dresses, variety of pants, flared tunics along with the whole 6 yards saris were a delightful concept binding craft and fashion.

Origami folds, Shibori, tie and dye techniques along with intricately embroidered mulberry silks, translucent stripes and woven tweeds added to the beauty of the collection.

Dividing the show in garment segments and keeping the silhouettes very simple to allow the fabrics to do all the talking, Krishna opened with men’s wear. Kurtas, some with delicate embroidery on the yokes/cuffs were teamed with pajamas and scarves in shot silk weaves. The lungi/waistcoat section was sober with the latter designed in solids to balance the former’s colourful designs. Soon kurtas, tunics and Sherwanis with loose pajamas or churidars followed to end the male fashion offering. 

For women’s wear too, Krishna followed the set groups to highlight the fabrics in different colour ways. Saris were shown with ornate waistcoats, embroidered woven cropped tops had Sharara pants and the lehengas in cotton, came with four-button kurtis in colour blocking. It was the mix of patterns, textures and colours that created all the difference for each of the garments.

Going onto the formal path there were long skirts or Sharara pants with floor length kurtas, knee length Sherwanis in black/white, ornate cropped jackets, a monochrome gown and finally long maxi with crinkle skirt paired with polka dot embroidered bolero.

Rarely has any designer utilized the beautiful textiles of Manipur as effectively as Krishna did for her show. But it is the designer’s passion for merging handlooms with contemporary fashion, which made Krishna Mehta’s collection a truly memorable and timeless display at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013.

Lakmé Fashion Week