The first edition of Royal Fables spelt magnificence and marvel, says Rama Sreekant
Exquisite heritage-inspired art and jewellery, vintage regalia of a royal wedding, pure gold-woven sarees and organic cotton ensembles—a visit to the the first edition of Royal Fables' exhibition in Mumbai was nothing short of a ride back to a time of timeless pieces.
The exhibition offered the collectors and connoisseurs from the city an enviable platform to interact with designers and artists of royal descent. The exquisiteness of all things royal, now redesigned to fit contemporary lifestyle was inspiring. The show displayed artwork, clothing, jewellery and food enjoyed by 25 blue-blooded families who have been extending their support to local artisans for many years.
Yuvrani Meenal Kumari Singhdeo showcased the traditional weaves from Orissa— a lovely collection of Ikat sarees, shawls and dupattas along with dokra products, curios, boxes and jewellery that is made out of brass. "We are trying to encourage the local arts and crafts around our area—be it silk, cotton, dokra, silver filigre—we want to keep the crafts alive".
According to the Yuvrani, there is a lot of revival work been done, but the need of the hour is government aid. "We dont have weavers below the age of 50. The second generation doesn't want to weave anymore; they have migrated to other states. We are recreating some of the tribal designs and weaves by giving it a modern twist.
For instance, we have redesigned a tribal shawl into a dongria saree as today very few people wear traditional weaves." A quick look around the exhibition and you know it spells sheer beauty, luxury and exquisiteness. And if you are an art lover, you could not have missed automative artist Rajkumari Vidita Singh's stall. From the royal family of Barwani in Madhya Pradesh, Vidita's collection was an extension of her passion for cars. "I belong to a family where four generations have a passion for vintage beauties. I have translated my passion for cars into wearable auto art. "These are one of a kind limited edition scarves in 100% silk. The pocket squares are also in 100% silk." Vidita who has always been inspired by her father received a good response at the exhibition, "Everyone has appreciated the concept of wearable auto art," she says as yet another prospective customer stops by to enquire about the pocket squares on display. Kanwarani Ritu Sinhji of Wankaner brought to the event traditional wear with a modern twist. "In the olden days, men wore angrakhas; I am transforming that look to what modern girls can wear. I am also pairing sponge with jackets which are useful in winters, but can also be worn with jeans. It is money worth spending. I source all the Gota embroidery from Gujarat, while I continue to be influenced by Chikan embroidery from Lucknow since my mother-in-law is a Lucknowi. I travel to different places, collect the local art and craft work and add them to the styles I create."
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