Sharmila Tagore, Taapsee Pannu support Gaurang’s pan-India

With vermilion on their forehead, bright red naths adorning their nose and colourful attires inspired from the textiles and embroideries of various states of India, models during designer Gaurang Shah’s show were like beautiful painting on the blank white canvas of the ramp.

While the designs did wonders on the runway, stars like veteran actress Sharmila Tagore and youngster Taapsee Pannu supported and cheered for the designer Gaurang Shah off it on day two of the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week.

“It was wonderful. I am wearing one of Gaurang’s saree. I have a complaint that he gave all the models bright colours and he gave me this very nude coloured saree. But I must commend him as ?the way the show started, it was fantastic.

The show had a pan Indian flavour. He used fabrics from Bengal, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha,” Sharmila said.

“Also he showed us ways to tie the saree in so many different ways. I am happy that you are supporting Banaras. It is something very close to me, also teach youngsters to wear sarees. Saress can look very attractive,” she added.

Inspired by the love story between Prithviraj Chauhan and the strong willed queen Samyukta, the collection was an interesting historical textile story.

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 grand bridal collection was unveiled to a wildly applauding audience.

Gaurang revived Kanjeevaram, Khadi, Uppada, Paithani, Benarasi, 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, Gaurang unleashed a glittering magical collection of swirling anarkalis, lehengas and ghagras teamed with kurtis or cholis.

He also added ijjars, farshis and Jamdani saris for variety.

Long and short kurtas were stunning in texture and form; while the floor length anarkalis with sexy low backs brought in a hint of fusion.

“This took me eight months to create the lush fabrics in Surkh red and matched them with timeless embellishments. I took help from a draper and asked her to make the sarees look different on every model. I have an obsession to do something different everytime,” Guarang said.

Taapsee, a long time supporter of Gaurang and his work, said after seeing this collection, she is inspired to wear sarees more often.

“You always see me wearing his garments but not really sarees. I think his clothes bring out the best of me. We really need to learn how to carry sarees. But whenever I wear sarees unanimously I get lots of compliments. I really loved the show. I was in awe of all the clothes,” the “Baby” actress said.

A red-tiered lehenga looked arresting with brocade Angarkha blouse; while a Patola maxi skirt worn with a long sleeved gold blouse was the ultimate in style and sophistication.

The Patolas were rich in colour, design and texture and at times teamed with the Banarsi saris the blend was breathtaking.

The colour story was restricted to predominantly bridal hues where red and its versions were the mainstay of the collection with mustard, saffron, navy and gold adding to the glamour.

Black, white and blue moved in to balance the palette.

For the four groom entries there were stylish jamas, choghas, sadris, achkan, dhotis and anghrakhas.

Inputs by PTI