Anju Modi’s vintage collection mesmerises the WIFW

New Delhi: Anju Modi’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection at the ongoing Wills India Fashion Week drew inspiration from saint and philosopher Meera. It was a wonderful amalgamation of quaint Indian silhouettes borrowed from the magnificent royal palaces of Rajasthan.

The ensemble appeared like rustic voyage into the deep-seated traditions of India, born with a new fashionable yet relaxed face. While the clothes had a Bollywood-ish glamour quotient in the wedding wear segment, the designs had a Mughal and Rajasthani quintessence. Anju Modi is known for her accurate use and revival of Indian handicrafts and her collection had lots of off whites on airy silhouettes, embellished with gold dabka work and zari embroidery, with strings of shimmery sitara work, heavy Banarasi silk borders, zardosi work, and lots of hand done Bagh block prints. The accessory stood out in the show that seemed rather vintage with a modern touch. There was imperial Indian intricate jewellery that incorporated traditional gold maang tikkas, kamar bandhs, heavy metal maharani haar, and few ghungroo neckpieces. The fabrics ranged from mushy cotton silks to intricate jail, crushed cottons to chanderi silks, permanent pleated fabrics to squashy muslins. There was also ample use of khadi that reflected the simplicity and purity of the designer’s muse for the particular collection. The silhouettes included voluminous high flared anarkali kurtas, heavy maharani-esqe ghagras, angrakha kurtas, ankle length skirts, harem pants, embroidered koti/ waistcoats, straight cut tunic kurtas with gathered calf leggings. The collection had a beautiful translucent summer feel to a few garments, besides using colours like dull black, pot maroon, antique gold and royal blues. On the whole, Anju Modi came out with a brilliant collection based on the exquisite designs of master artisans in perfect unison with her own creative zeal.