Designer Gaurang Shah the LFW winter-festive 2015, showcased his collection titled “Samyukta” inspired by the love story between Prithviraj Chauhan and the strong willed queen Samyukta and an interesting historical textile story. Shah before his show on the Indian Handloom and Textiles Day at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) said that weavers have to adapt to the change and those who are changing are surviving. He feels that weavers have enough work as against the common perception that they are dying because of less work. However, the weavers need a right direction and have to adapt to change. The designer’s 44-piece elaborate collection of bridal wear put a strong stamp on Banaras weaves. To the pulsating beat of Razab Ali Group’s live band and the energetic dance by the two artistes, Akilesh and Apoorva, on the stage, the bridal collection was unveiled to a wildly applauding audience. The designer revived Kanjeevaram, Khadi, Uppada, Paithani, Banarsi, Patan Patola, Kota Dhakai and added traditional embroidery like zardozi, gotta, doria, Marodi, aari and chikankari. Proving his love for the colour red in various hues and shades, Shah showcased designs that had anarkalis, lehengas and ghagras teamed with kurtis or cholis. For the four groom entries, there were stylish jamas, choghas, sadris, achkans, dhotis and anghrakhis. When a bride and groom dream of recreating history on the most important day of their lives, Shah’s “Samyukta” collection will turn it into a reality. Shah said that he has worked with more than 600 weavers for last few years and have done everything. The Banaras weavers now not only can do Banaras weaving and are involved in many other things so weavers are ready to change.
