Kolkata FW: Scintillating saris from Satya Paul

Photographs: Avishek Mitra Sreya Basu/India Blooms News Service

Designer and owner of label Satya Paul, Puneet Nanda showcased his Resham and Zari collection on Day 4 of Kolkata Fashion Week II. Here is what the collection is all about, in the fashion guru's own words.

How would you describe your 'Resham and Zari' collection?

This time my collection is all non-Satya Paul. The theme was to highlight the weaving, even in bridal collections.This time I went back to the weavers for the collections...all are pathbreaking lehengas that are technically not easy for any designer to produce. In fact, I can say it on record that these kind of outfits are not available in any other part of the country.

'Prints and graphics have become a bore'

You said, you went back go the weavers...

Yes. Many doesn't know that when Satya Paul started 25 years back, weavers made huge contributions to our collections. But then, we took a break from that tradition. Now prints and graphics have become a bore. And the weavers are also on the verge of becoming extinct. So I think it's time to go back to the roots to support the daily meal of weavers and also to bring back our tradition in fashion. It's high time to move ahead...with the weavers.

Smooth silks and georgettes

What are the fabrics you used in this collection?

I used fabrics like silk -- very heavy, woven silk -- and a georgette base for this collection. The colour palette was kept bright -- red, green...

'You won't find anything as classy anywhere in the country'

You have quite a few showrooms in Kolkata...

The first Satya Paul store in Kolkata started almosty 24-25 years back. Kolkata acknowledges weaver creations, they understand colours better. Now I have given a complete makeover to my Kolkata showroom at Forum...you won't find anything as classy anywhere in the country. In fact, you can lift the store from Kolkata and place it in Paris, but will hardly feel the difference.

Keeping things basic

What is your fashion statement?

I like keeping it basic...like I am wearing a white shirt with trousers right now.

Feminine fashion

Despite the simplicity and class of his own dress sense, many of Satya Paul's models sported tasteful accessories that complimented the feminine flow of the garments.

'Mandira carries the creations with grace'

Which celebrity do you like dressing up the most?

It's Mandira Bedi...I am yet to come across a person as enthusiastic as her and she carries Satya Paul sarees with such grace that it adds to the beauty of Indian wear.

The creator and his muse

And with the affection Mandira showed for Puneet on the runway, it's apparent that she thinks a lot of his creativity too.

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