Models showcased splendid designs weaved on the famous Kalamkari fabric by students of the city-based Samana Institute for Design Studies (SIDS) at a show held in the TFL on Sunday.
There were a total of four sequences - the six-yard wonder-sari, two rounds of Indo-western and a final round of lehengas in Kalamkari that could give the shimmering silks a run for their money.
In a deliberate deviation from the usual practice of the models walking a dazzling ramp, the bevy of beauties showcasing the trendy designs walked on the floor, smiling at people sitting within their hand’s reach.
“I wanted the humble and modest beauty of Kalamkari weaves to reflect in the show and thus the new set-up,” explained Samana Moosavi, CEO and Managing Director of SIDS.
The saris, teamed with trendy blouses that had bobbles and tassels to enhance their look, exuded a quiet charm.
The sequences were interspersed with fun activities that kept the audience engaged while the models got ready for the next round. The Indo-westerns outfits exhibited by the presenters were cool and classy.
The designers - P. Rupa, G. Bhavana, S. Bhavani, Ch. Nikhila, Chasitha and Shabana, all students of final year, underwent training by artisans from Kalahasti.
In the training workshop that preceded the display of their works, the students were taught how to draw the outlines and main features of images using hand-carved blocks and complete the finer details using a pen. They were also given insights into how vegetable dyes are extracted using colours from plants along with mineral salts on iron, tin, copper, alum and so on.
The institute faculty said a thorough home work of one and half months was needed to put the show together. Fashion designer Sunil Menon descended at the venue to give the final touch-up to the show.
As the models strutted across the space showcasing the designs, the beauty of Kalamkari and its unique appeal came to the fore in its mellow appearance in spite of bright colours used in the print. The best part is that these prints lend themselves extremely well to regular washing.
