Reviving the beautiful weaves of Maharashtra, Shruti’s collection “Saaj”, which evokes finery, was a finely crafted line. The designer brought into the limelight the untapped weaves of Shahpuri Rasta, Narli, Riuphool, Karvatkati, Jyot etc. To give a Maharashtrian flavour, Shruti added amazing Paithani embroidery along with Aari work and resham.

Opening the show with a typical vibrant Maharashtrian dance, the mood was set for a brilliantly created collection of woven beauty.

The base fabrics were a skillful blend of pure spun silk, woven silk, blends of cotton and Nagpuri checks. The colours were rich and vibrant as gold, crimson, fuchsia, green, indigo blue and purple created a riot on the ramp.

With the help of block, screen and foil printing, Shruti had unconventional motifs like peacocks, Maharashtrian Naths and Karvats splashed on the fabrics. To add to the festive mood of the collection, Indian traditional silhouettes like the dual ghagra/Anarkali, palazzos, lehengas, cholis, luga pants, jamas, achkans, chogas, asymmetric kalidaars, saris, tunics and jumpsuits were ornamented with ancient Peshwai jewellery.

Purple pleated wide pants teamed with a cropped top, tucked kerchief hem smock, wrap lungi with diagonal top, asymmetric closure layered tunic and a coloured kurta under a pinafore were refreshingly modern but with traditional fabrics.

A popular entry was the ‘Navari’ 9 yard- sari worn with a sheer kurta, the Jodhpuri style churidars, the waistcoat with a sari and the 6-yard wonder teamed with loose pants. The ghagra-Anarkali was a truly innovative way of wearing two garments simultaneously, while the layered varied hem kurta was rustic yet eye catching.

Closing the show was the very effervescent Juhi Chawla who glided down the ramp in an elegant lehenga and panelled long choli.

When women long to add that traditional heritage touch to their wardrobes, the “Saaj” collection by Shruti Sancheti presented by the Maharashtra State Handlooms Corporation had the right timeless offering.

Lakmé Fashion Week