Wendell dedicates his show to Kunbi art

Spicezee Bureau

New Delhi: Celebrated designer Wendell’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection was truly dedicated to the extinct Kunbi tribal art, incorporating intricate weaving techniques that were forgotten years ago. It’s the truly devoted effort of Wendell that supports the revival of Kunbi sari. Wendell has put together years of research in shaping up his dream and thus giving many inhabitants an opportunity to experience a distinct avenue to get noticed in today’s world. The fabrics used by Wendell are on the likes of dupione silks, crinkled cottons, organzas, cotton lycra jerseys and silk jacquards. A play of warp-n-weft contributes to the loosely woven fabrics. The colour palette was mostly dyed in organic shades of ivory, subtle greens and sand washed greys achieved from guava leaf and Manjista. The usage of organic dyes was a marvellous mix of iron-ore, indigo blue, conjee, pomegranate and leaf dyes. Wendell skilfully mixes cottons and silks, woven and knits to the true aesthetic extents. Silhouettes were an array of weaved Kunbi saris, multi layered skirts, asymmetric backless tunics, tube dresses supported on the shoulder with hand woven straps, envelope kaftans and halter dresses with asymmetric hemlines. There were stoles to coordinate along with tunics and dresses, elongated camisoles. Also noteworthy features were the Gulmohar leaf brocade patterns loosely spread across the tops and tunics and dentil knot tie-ups on the skirt hemlines.