Gujarat’s traditional fashion gets a contemporary twist

Heritage crafts like Bandhani, Patola and traditional Kutch work get a scintillating touch of fashion nouveau as wardrobe experiments are in full swing.
Style may have different fashionable twists, but when it comes to the Gujarat’s traditional textiles, elegance takes the mantle over. Well, the saying of ‘fashion comes in cycles’ calls for a pleasant twist when the fashion trend has some connection to the traditional textiles of Gujarat.The history of traditional textiles of Gujarat is replete with fashion experimentations — be it with the meticulously woven Patolas with intricate details and designs that are intercepted on the double ikat, the different textures and patterns of Kutch crafts work that speak more than a thousand words about the colorful threads and myriad mirrors used for embroidery, or wonderfully well executed tie and dye designs of Bandhani that have become an integral part of one’s wardrobe. What with the fashion fraternity making moves to add a contemporary appeal to the traditional threads, the stage has become all the more interesting. Today, the fashionista definitely is presented with a wardrobe full of traditional fabric that has gone bold and beautiful.
The K Factor
Who’s not going to get swayed by the resplendent designs, the flamboyant colours and the enigmatic mirror work that embody the Kutchi craft? Make it a part of your daily life, or flaunt the Kutch work ensemble on special occasions, or carry a slice of Kutch in the clutch bag ornately and intricately embellished with colorful embroidery and mirror work.
Edgy transformation
It’s during her promotional stint in Ahmedabad last year that fashion diva Sonam Kapoor floored every fashionista in Gujarat with her iconic ensemble comprising rich Bharat work and the resplendently crafted blouse with mirror work. A contemporary deviation to the regular Kutchi ensemble not only in terms of color blocking, but also in terms of the modern cuts.
Accessories matter
It is almost impossible to ignore the sheer magnetism that Kutchi patterns and designs have to offer. And it is not just limited to one’s wardrobe. You can live every inch of the Kutchi craft as you pick these accessories.
A jacketed twist
Kutch work jackets, with embroidery work similar to that of shawls, resemble the eponymous Modi jacket. However, they present a stylish alternative to men’s wardrobe nonetheless. Teamed with long kurtas, these jackets allow oneself to be at one with the tradition. Says actress Bhavwini Gandhi, “Jackets with Bharat work from Kutch and Bandhani make for a cool fashion statement. Informal clothing gets a formal touch when you put on a Kutchi jacket over a simple kurta.”
Winter must haves
Winter makes the Kutchi shawls a must have in every fashionista’s wardrobe. The shawls add a layer of dignified appeal to anyone who sports these. Not to mention the evergreen quilts that let you warm up to some freezing nights!
Clutch it right
Clutches, handbags and mobile holders with Kutch work are some of the most popular accessories because of the simplicity appeal attached to these. Maximum utility at minimum cost is what makes these accessories an instant hit among the young.
Mix & match
Why refrain from mix and match when you have a myriad opportunities to set a fashion trend. It is not necessary to sport a Kutchi wardrobe from head to toe. Just pick a blouse with an elaborate Kutch embroidery and team it up with a chiffon or georgette saree to accentuate the glam appeal and make you a headturner.
Patola perfect
A gift to the quintessential fashionista, Patola is not longer limited to sarees, and has found a new companion in the craft that makes it all the more bespoke. “Having travelled abroad extensively, I have realised that the diversity and the range — the layers, cuts, colours, weaving patterns one get in India is unbeatable. And Gujarat’s traditional fashion is one of them,” says actress Manasi Parekh Gohil.
Patola’s elite connect
That the eponymous fabric has adorned the wardrobe of many Bollywood celebrities and eminent politicians is undeniable. What is interesting to note is the way Patola is redefining itself in writing new chapters of fashion. While Patola dupattas, custom made kurtas with Patola work are in vogue, the Patola necktie is another step to take the craft to the boardroom.
The evergreen Patola saree
While metamorphosis can take different shapes, the magical weaves that make this nine yard wonder of Patola will never go obsolete. Every fashionista in Gujarat prides herself in her cherished possession — the Patola saree.
Bandhani’s classic appeal
Call it Bandhej or Bandhani, this tie and dye wonder takes many forms. Where do you not see the Bandhani, on the dupatta, on the kurtis, or even adorning men’s well chiseled bods? Says actress Jayaka Yagnik, “Bandhani is simple and subtle yet looks stylish.”
Bandhani’s Bollywood connect
Bandhani hogged the limelight when Aishwarya Rai Bachchan flaunted it in Hum Dil De Huke Sanam and the effervescent Deepika Padukone showed off the Bandhani dupatta in the song Lahu Munh Lag Gaya from Ram-Leela. Bandhani always managed to keep itself in sync with the changing fashion trends. Not to mention the flamboyant pink Bandhani shirt which added another layer of sex appeal to John Abraham in Welcome Back .
Patola’s elite connect
That the eponymous fabric has adorned the wardrobe of many Bollywood celebrities and eminent politicians is undeniable. What is interesting to note is the way Patola is redefining itself in writing new chapters of fashion. While Patola dupattas, custom made kurtas with Patola work are in vogue, the Patola necktie is another step to take the craft to the boardroom.