LFW fashionistas view beauty of Patan Patola from Gaurang

The Patolas considered auspicious because of the colours and designs are part of a woman’s Stridhan or treasure during her marital journey.

The show opened with a foot tapping Gujarati song by Veena to the beat of a live band as models strutted in from the audience. Gaurang Shah dressed in white kurta and gorgeous Patola dhoti made an exuberant entry with them and immediately broke into a lively garba dance with the singer.

Reviving the weaving art of Patan Patola from Patan where this double ikat Patolu sari takes nearly 1-2 years to weave; Gaurang added more Indian crafts to the fabric to pay homage to their masters by combining Patolu with Parsi Gara embroidery, Kanjeevaram borders, gotas and fabric textures.

Gaurang revived the motifs of Patolu with inspirations from ‘rani-ki-vav’ like rattan chok bhat, nari kunjar bhat, fulvadi bhat, pan bhat, chabadi bhat, and popat kunjar bhat. For women’s wear Gaurang created regal Anarkalis, swirling lehengas, shararas and ghagras – some having a 10-12 metres flare; while saris and khadi dupattas were added to complete the ethnic images. Keeping the look very demure and sedate the models kept their heads covered with intricately embroidered or lined reversible dupattas.

Introducing four traditional men’s wear outfits, Gaurang remained loyal to the theme with Patan Patola sherwani, dhoti, kurta and even a Turban (Pagadi) which had five and a half metres of fabric.

It is said that the Patola fabric may tear but will never fade, so strong are the colours of the patterns.

Closing the show was the ever gorgeous and gracious Kirron Kher, a perfect showstopper wearing a stunning Patola sari and dupatta.

Gaurang Shah’s “Stridhan” collection will be treasured by Indian women for centuries, just like the ethnic fabrics are valued items during their wedded life.

Lakmé Fashion Week