“There is a pride in dressing traditionally”, says Hyderabad’s very own Gaurang Shah known for his traditional weaves and handloom sarees. Showcasing his latest collection Paanchali in the city on Tuesday, Gaurang treated his patrons to a colourful melange of pinks, blues, yellows and whites, going against the typical sobre shades of nude and grey that usually feature this season.  His first solo show in the city, the fashion parade was a treat indeed.

Paachali brings the best of five states into one exotic collection that echo designs from the 15-16 century, with an elephant motif here, mango motif there, and plenty of flora.

As many as 50 hand-woven traditional sarees were presented, bringing together tradition and modern themes in perfect harmony. Inspired from Jamdani (fabric made out of cotton), the label Gaurang kept reiterating the beauty and elegance of Indian designs as double shades, geometric motifs of diamonds and zari came together. Sarees like Kanjeevaram, Paithani, Kota, Uppada, Venkatagiri that were woven in soft shades of purple, green and pink and contrasted by stronger shades of oranges and reds alluded to Gaurang’s trademark.

While models sashayed in shimmery fabric, a live rendition of classical music accompanied them, courtesy students of Arabhi School of Performing Arts. Present along with their guru Ashok Gurjale, the ensemble of the violin, ghatam and mridangam left the show with an almost ethereal mood.

The show was presented by Sanskruti, an organisation dedicated to promoting Indian traditional art, in association with Gaurang at Hotel Marigold Greenlands to create an awareness about the art. As many as 500 weavers from across the country worked along with the designer at the grassroot level to bring out the collection.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Sameera Jonnalagadda / ENS – Hyderabad / November 13th, 2013